METHOD AND KITS FOR DETECTION OF BACTERIA

摘要

A method for detection, identification and/or quantification of target organisms of specific bacterial genus, species or serotype, based upon the occurrence of release of cell contents, particularly nucleotides e.g. ATP, on lysis of bacterial cell walls on incubation with bacteriophages (phages) specific for them. When new phage particles are released at the end of the phage replication cycle nucleotide levels are measured and compared with controls. The method provides for the detection of specific bacteria in which insertion of the lux gene into the phage genome is not required yet it is faster and more sensitive than known non-modified phage utilising techniques. The method is only limited by the availability of phage types suitable for selective attack of the target bacteria to be detected and can detect a single (Salmonella) in a sample of milk in under 12 hours.