[Comparison of diverse methods for the cultivation of anaerobians, with special reference to the GASPAK system].

The frequent presence of anaerobic bacteria in clinical specimens requires the use of adequate methods for their detection. The GASPAK system, following closely the experiences made by BREWER, meets these requirements and has the additional advantage of easier handling when compared with other methods. Hydrogen necessary for binding oxygen in the anaerobe-receptacle, is produced chemically from a sodium borohydride plate over which only a certain amount of water needs to be poured for activation. A bar containing citric acid and sodium bicarbonate releases carbon dioxide at the same time. Small palladium-coated aluminium balls act as a cold catalyst. The hydrogen-carbon dioxide developer is supplied in disposable bags (Fig. 1). A strip impregnated with methylene blue is used as indicator. This strip is used only once. The GASPAK system was examined and compared with the anaerobe-receptacle by FILDES and MCINTOSH where a pressure-bottle feeds the hydrogen into the system, and the vacuum-process by ZEISSLER. Growth of several anaerobians from fresh clinical specimens and from some defined strains was used in the test (Table 1-4). The highest rate of growth was achieved with the GASPAK-system so that - even if one bears in mind that the other two methods do not undergo enrichment by carbon dioxide - this method for the cultivation of anaerobians can be recommended for use in routine laboratories.