Detection of pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) specific peaks by ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) in exhaled breath of bronchiectasis patients

Introduction: Colonisation or infection of airways from bronchiectasis patients by Pa results in chronic inflammation leading to a progressive destruction of the lung and to a decline in lung function. Therefore more inpatient stays for intravenous antibiotic treatment are necessary and the quality of life in these patients is severely limited. Objectives: Aim of our study was to detect and compare volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by IMS in exhaled breath of bronchiectasis patients either colonised or infected by Pa with healthy non-smoking controls (hc). Methods: We have analysed VOCs by IMS coupled to a multi-capillary column (MCC) for pre-separation (MCC-IMS, B&S Analytik) in exhaled breath of bronchiectasis patients either colonised (Pac,n=3) or infected (Pai,n=9) by Pa (Pac+Pai=Pa+,n=12) compared to hc (n=39) and compared Pac with Pai. In addition we analysed VOCs from Pa cultures growing on agar plates. Results: Using IMS for VOC analysis, differences between Pa+ and hc could be found. Different peaks were detected between Pac and hc, Pai and hc as well as Pac and Pai. VOC analysis from Pa cultures revealed two peaks which could be found in the Pa+ bronchiectasis patients. Conclusions: IMS seems to be a promising method for the non-invasive identification of patients which are colonized or infected with Pa . A differentiation between patients colonised or infected with Pa seems to be possible, as well. However, confirmation of our findings in a larger study population is needed. The comparison of Pa+ with Pa cultures will help to identify peaks caused by the presence of Pa . Furthermore, it is required to identify the molecules representing the peaks.