Extensive Range for Enteric Pathogens Now Available

The extensive ProSpecT® range of ELISA assays for the direct detection of enteric pathogens from faecal specimens is now available from Oxoid Limited. This comprehensive range, which includes bacteriology, parasitology and virology tests, is the method of choice in many laboratories, offering speed and accuracy in situations where patients can deteriorate rapidly.

Diarrhoeal disease can be caused by a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, parasites and viruses. The ProSpecT® range is able to detect antigens produced by some of the most significant of these pathogens, such as:

? Campylobacter
? Clostridium difficile (Toxin A and B)
? Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC)
? Rotavirus
? Adenovirus
? Astrovirus
? Cryptosporidium
? Giardia
? Entamoeba histolytica

By allowing faecal specimens to be tested directly, without the need for culture or enrichment, the ProSpecT® range saves valuable time in identifying the cause of enteric disease. The simple and convenient procedure can be completed within 2 hours and with almost 100% accuracy when compared to routine stool culture methods. Furthermore, since the tests detect antigen or toxin produced by the organisms, they are not dependent on the shedding of live organisms or on their growth.

The assays use the same procedure and share many common reagents (supplied in ready-to-use dropper bottles), allowing several strips for different pathogens to be set up and run simultaneously. All incubations are at room temperature and results can be read easily - visually or spectrophotometrically.