Abstract

The use use of Fourier transform mid-infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflection for characterizing entomopathogenic bacteria from genera Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus is evaluated for the first time. The resulting spectra of Xenorhabdus poinarii and Photorhabdus luminiscens were compared with the spectrum of Escherichia coli samples. The absorption spectra generated by the bacteria samples, were very different at the region below 1400 cm(-1) which represents the stretching vibrations of phosphate and carbohydrates. Star diagrams of the fingerprint section of nematodes spectra (between 1350 and 1650 cm(-1)) for separation between spectra was used and showed to be a useful tool for classification purposes.