MOTILITY CHANNEL PATHOGEN DETECTOR AND METHOD OF USE

摘要

A motility channel pathogen detector and method of use of the detector are disclosed for detecting a target motile pathogen in a test sample of potential pathogens. The motility channel pathogen detector includes: a dish having a base and walls arising from the base to define a motility channel; an anti-serum end of the motility channel; an inoculation end of the motility channel opposed to the anti-serum end; and opposed channel walls that cooperate to define the motility channel between the anti-serum and inoculation ends of the channel. A growth medium is positioned in the motility channel and an anti-serum that biologically interacts with the target motile pathogen is positioned in the growth medium in the anti-serum end so that the anti-serum diffuses in the growth medium to form an anti-serum front between the channel walls. The sample of potential pathogens is inoculated in the growth medium adjacent the inoculation end so that any target motile pathogen moves towards, contacts and accumulates at the anti-serum front to form a visible detection line adjacent the anti-serum front. In one embodiment the target motile pathogen is a serotype of Escherichia coli bacteria generally known as "E. coli 0157:H7", and the anti-serum is E. coli H7 anti-serum which restricts motility of the pathogen.