Identification of Enteropathogenic Escherichia Coli 0111:B4 by Means of Fluorescent Antibodies

Summary The fluorescent antibody technique has been tested during a current epidemic of infantile diarrhoea due to E. Coli 0111: B4, and has been compared with the conventional bacteriological and serological techniques. Four different modifications have been compared. After enrichment of the faecal specimens in broth the greatest number of positive specimens was obtained by the fluorescent antibody technique. It was possible by means of this technique to demonstrate the organisms in 15 infants and one adult in 35 specimens, whereas conventional culture, all modifications together, revealed them in 12 infants in 26 specimens. The time for putting a diagnosis is greatly reduced by the fluorescent method. The method's didvantages and its use in routine practice are discussed.