Outer membrane protein 18 as a diagnostic marker for campylobacter

摘要

Accurate and fast detection of the presence of Campylobacter disease is important for the proper treatment of patients with Campylobacter infection. Present tests depend upon culture of viable bacteria and identification by microscopy, which requires care, skill, and two or more days for conclusive results. The current invention improves the ease of use and overcomes the limitations of loss of viability and delay inherent in Campylobacter bacterial culture and provides a more rapid alternative for the identification and diagnosis of Campylobacter and campylobacteriosis. The invention provides a new method of detecting Campylobacter by utilizing an outer membrane protein (OMP 18) to develop antibodies for use in immunoassays of bacterial cultures or human fecal samples.