Comparison of four latex kits for detection of E. coli O157.
OBJECTIVE
To compare four Escherichia coli O157 test kits for detection of E. coli O157:H7 isolated from clinical specimens.


METHODS
One hundred two Escherichia coli O157:H7 isolates obtained from stored specimens and 99 non-sorbitol fermenting enterobacteriaceae isolates from current clinical specimens were tested against four latex kits: Wellcolex, RIM, Prolex, and Oxoid. Each isolate was tested against all four kits on the same day.


METHODS
Provincial Laboratory of Saskatchewan, Canada.


METHODS
Patients from Saskatchewan with diarrhea submitted stool specimens through their family physicians to the Provincial Laboratory for detection of enteric pathogens including E. coli O157:H7.


RESULTS
The sensitivity and specificity of each test kit were: Wellcolex 100%, 99%; RIM 100%, 99%; Prolex 99%, 100%; Oxoid 100%, 100%. The Prolex kit failed to detect one E. coli O157:H7 isolate.


CONCLUSIONS
All kits tested were able to identify E. coli O157 isolated from stool specimens. Further study with Prolex is needed to assess the significance of the one missed E. coli O157 isolate.
Chan
E
E
Department of Clinical Microbiology, Provincial Laboratory, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. echan@health.gov.sk.ca
Ball
L
L
Horsman
G B
GB
D001431:Bacteriological Techniques / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000382:microbiology; D004927:Escherichia coli Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology; D019453:Escherichia coli O157 / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007841:Latex Fixation Tests / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity