Development of a combined immunochromatographic lateral flow assay for accurate and rapidEscherichia coliO157:H7 detection

Escherichia coliO157:H7 is an important pathogenic Bacterium that threatens human health. A convenient, sensitive and specific method for theE. coliO157:H7 detection is necessary. We developed two pairs of monoclonal antibodies through traditional hybridoma technology, one specifically againstE. coliO157 antigen and the other specifically againstE. coliH7 antigen. Using these two pairs of antibodies, we developed two rapid test kits to specifically detectE. coliO157 antigen andE. coliH7 antigen, respectively. The detection sensitivity for O157 positiveE. coliis 1 x 10(3)CFU per ml and for H7 positiveE. coliis 1 x 10(4)CFU per ml. Combining these two pairs of antibodies together, we developed a combo test strip that can specifically detect O157: H7, with a detection sensitivity of 1 x 10(4)CFU per ml, when two detection lines are visible to the naked eye. This is currently the only rapid detection reagent that specifically detects O157: H7 by simultaneously detecting O157 antigen and H7 antigens ofE. coli. Our product has advantages of simplicity and precision, and can be a very useful on-site inspection tool for accurate and rapid detection ofE. coliO157:H7 infection.