METHOD OF DETECTION OF MICROORGANISMS WITH ENHANCED BACTERIOPHAGE AMPLIFICATION

摘要

A method of determining the presence or absence of a target microorganism in a sample to be tested, the method comprising: combining with the sample an amount of bacteriophage capable of attaching to the target microorganism to create a bacteriophage exposed sample, and a substance which enhances bacteriophage amplification or sensitivity; providing conditions to the bacteriophage-exposed sample sufficient to allow the bacteriophage to infect the microorganism; and assaying the bacteriophage-exposed sample to detect the presence or absence of a bacteriophage marker to determine the presence or absence of the target microorganism. A substance which enhances bacteriophage amplification (fatty acid, eg. lauric acid) or bacteriophage sensitivity to said target microorganism (eg. pyruvate) is added.