Detection of pathogenic Streptococcus suis bacteria using magnetic glycoparticles

Detection of the zoonotic bacterial pathogen Streptococcus suis was achieved using magnetic glycoparticles. The bacteria contain an adhesion protein for the carbohydrate sequence Gal alpha 1,4Gal. After incubation with various amounts of the pathogen, magnetic concentration and ATP detection, bacterial levels down to 10(5) cfu could be detected. Submicrometer particles were needed, since with the larger microparticles the method did not succeed.