Development of a colloidal gold-based immunochromatographic strip for the rapid detection of Klebsiella pneumoniae serotypes K1 and K2

摘要

[[abstract]]In this study, a novel colloidal gold-based immunochromatographic strip (ICS) containing anti-K. pneumoniae capsular polysaccharide polyclonal antibodies was developed to specifically detect K. pneumoniae serotypes K1 and K2. Capsular polysaccharide K1 and K2 antigens were first used to produce polyclonal anti-K1 or -K2 antibodies. Reference strains with different serotypes, non-typable K. pneumoniae strains, and other bacterial species were then used to assess the sensitivity and specificity of these test strips. The detection limit was found to be 105 Cell Forming Units (CFU), and the ICSs were stable for six months when stored at room temperature. No false positive or false negative results were observed, and equivalent results were obtained compared to more conventional test methods, such as PCR or serum agglutination. In conclusion, the ICS developed here requires no technical expertise and allows for the specific, rapid, and simultaneous detection of K. pneumoniae serotypes K1 and K2.