Evaluation of a reversed passive latex agglutination test for the detection of Verocytotoxin (VT) expressed by strains of VT-producing Escherichia coli

Aims: To compare an experimental Reversed-Passive Latex Agglutination (RPLA ) with Vero cells for the detection of Verocytotoxin expressed by VT-produc ing strains of Escherichia coli (VTEC). Methods and Results: The RPLA was used alongside a Vero cell tissue culture assay for the detection of VT in bacterial culture supernatant fluids and patients' faecal extracts. Conclusions: The RPLA was comparable with the Vero cell assay, although sli ghtly less sensitive. Significance and Impact of the Study: The RPLA test proved to be a simple, rapid and convenient method of detecting VT in bacterial culture supernatan t fluids and in the faeces of patients infected with VTEC.