DRYSPOT CAMPYLOBACTER TEST KIT

Code: DR0150

The Oxoid DrySpot Campylobacter test is a latex agglutination test for the identification of enteropathogenic Campylobacter spp. from solid culture media. Campylobacter jejuni, C. lari, C. coliand C. upsaliensis will give positive results. Isolates of other Campylobacter spp. such as C. fetussubsp. fetus will give variable results.

Introduction
Campylobacters are helical, or curved, Gram-negative, oxidase positive rod-shaped bacteria.¹ They have been isolated from the environment as well as from humans and animals. The adoption of Campylobacter culture in laboratory routines for investigating enteritis has shown Campylobacter spp. to be the leading cause of diarrhoeal disease. Infection has been associated with the consumption of contaminated water and foods, particularly poultry and unpasteurized milk.

Current methods for the isolation and culture of Campylobacter have been reviewed.² The DrySpot Campylobacter test reagent consists of blue latex particles sensitized with rabbit antibody reactive with selected Campylobacter cell surface antigens. The control reagent consists of blue latex particles sensitized with rabbit antibody not reactive with Campylobacters. The latex reagents are dried onto reaction cards. When a Campylobacter extract is mixed with the test reagent, agglutination occurs due to cross-linking of latex-bound antibody and Campylobacter antigens. If the extract does not contain recognized Campylobacter antigens, agglutination will not occur and the result is negative.

The Oxoid DrySpot Campylobacter Test includes antigen extraction reagents and a positive control antigen preparation.

Components of the Kit (DR0150)

DR0151 DrySpot Campylobacter Reagent Cards
Test areas: Blue latex particles sensitised with rabbit antibody reactive with selected Campylobactercell surface antigens.
Control areas: Blue latex particles sensitised with rabbit antibody not reactive with selectedCampylobacters.
10 foil-sealed plastic trays each containing five reaction cards and a desiccant pouch. Each card has a test and a control area. 50 tests in total.
DR0152 Extraction Reagent 1
A solution of acetic acid (1.2M)
DR0153 Extraction Reagent 2
A neutralizing reagent of Tris buffer containing 0.09% sodium azide as a preservative.
DR0154 Campylobacter Dryspot Positive Control Reagent 
Consists of a neutralized acid extract of appropriate Campylobacter organisms in buffer containing 0.09% sodium azide as a preservative.
DR0699 Paddle Pastettes
DR0155 Storage bag

Materials required required but not provided.
Timer
Sterile loop (5ml calibrated) 
12 x75mm test tubes
A suitable laboratory disinfectant
For full procedure please see product insert.

Storage
The Oxoid DrySpot Campylobacter Test Kit should be stored at 2-8°C. Do not freeze. The kit should not be used after the expiry date printed on the outside of the carton.

Precautions
Extraction Reagent 1 contains acid. Avoid direct contact by wearing suitable protective equipment. If the material comes into contact with the skin, mucous membranes or eyes immediay wash the area by rinsing with plenty of water.
Some reagents contain sodium azide which may react with lead and copper plumbing to form highly explosive metal azides. On disposal, flush with a large volume of water to prevent build-up.

References: 
1. Cowan, S.T. and Steel, K.J. (1965) Charecters of Gram-negative bacteria. In Manual for Identification of Medical Bacteria. Barrow, G.I. and Felton, R.K.A. (ed.) Third Edition. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge, U.K. 
2. Corry, J.E.L., Post, D.E., Colin, P. et al. (1995) Culture media for the isolation of campylobacters..Int. J. Food Microbiol. 26. 43-76.