title: Detection of 3-hydroxy fatty acids at picogram levels in biologic specimens. A chemical method for the detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae?
abstract: A method for the detection of 3-hydroxy dodecanoic acid at low picogram levels is described. The procedure involves preparation of a heptafluorobutryl derivative of the butyl ester of the fatty acid and its detection by gas-liquid chromatography using an electron capture detector. The method was adapted for use with biological specimens. Potential of the method for screening for gonococcal infection is discussed. Limitations of the method are that about 105 Neisseria gonorrhoeae cells are required for detection and that interfering substances are a major problem working at maximum sensitivity of the electron capture detector necessitating complex purification procedures. The method eliminates the need to maintain the viability of cells in specimens, thus facilitating collection and transport of specimens.
mesh_terms: D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D005260:Female; D006069:Gonorrhea / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007850:Lauric Acids / Q000032:analysis*; D009344:Neisseria gonorrhoeae / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D007850:Lauric Acids