Rapid Tests

Latex Agglutination Test for Rapid Identification of Burkhoderia pseudomallei

Introduction

Burkholderia psudomallei and B. mallei are classified as category B biological threat agents due to their potential for severe impact on human health. B.psudomallei, an environmental pathogen causing meliodosis, is endemic I areas of Southeast Asia and Australia.

Rapid and reliable confirmatory identification of B. psudomallei and B. mallei is crucial because of their potential public health impact if used as biothreat agents.

Purpose

This latex agglutination test is used for rapid identification of B.pseudomallei infection by detecting of a specific antigen in hemoculture fluid or broth culture.

Principle

The assay is monoclonal antibody based latex agglutination test. B.pusedomallei antigen in the sample will bind to monoclonal antibody which was coated on the latex. The agglutination reaction can be seen by naked eye. 

Sample materials

An overnight hemoculture fluid or broth  showing sign of bacterial growth by mean of turbidity automatic alarm.

Literatures

1.   Dance DA. Melioidosis: the tip of the iceberg ? Clin Microbiol.Rev. 1991; 4:52-60

2.   Leelarasamee A and Bovornkitti. Melioidosis:review and update. Rev. Infect. Dis. 1989; 11: 413-425

3.   Rotz, LD, et al. Public health assessment of potential biological terrorism agents. Emerg. Infect. Dis 2002; 8: 225-230

Storage

All reagents should be kept at 4oC (shelf life is 1 year)

Procedure

1.   Add 1 drop of culture fluid to a glass slide

2.   Shake bottle of latex reagent to mix particle thoroughly

3.   Add 1 drop of latex to the culture fluid. Mix to circle with a stick

4.  Rotate the slide for 2 minutes

5.  Read the result immediately against a dark background