Researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna have developed an efficient method in determining if a bacterium can cause diseases or if it lacks the potential. 

The scientists have been studying the different strains of Staphylococcus aureus and how they behave within the host. S. aureus that lack capsules are less recognized by the host's immune system compared to those that have capsules and are more susceptible to recognition. These two different strains are vital to preventing pathogens from causing chronic infections within patients. The ability to distinguish the two strains is essential in preventing serious health problems for patients.

In order to identify each strain, an effective and efficient method is needed.

In the past, antibodies were used to detect bacteria and determine the strain and type of capsule. Unfortunately, this process required the use of antibodies that had to be produced through laboratory experiment and thus proved to be inefficient. 
Tom Grunet and his colleagues developed a much more efficient method. This new method utilizes infrared light (IR) in a process known as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).  In this process, IR is shown on the microorganism and the resulting spectral data is analyzed by a computer system to determine the type of the capsule.  

With this new method, there will be a greater chance of preventing chronic infections among patients by an accurate detection of the specific strain. This is essential in battling pathogens as each strain has different characteristics and engineering antibiotics for infections cannot be done without knowing the identification of the pathogenic strain.

Author: Tenzin Tsegyal