Rapid detection of Vibrio cholerae O:1 by motility inhibition and immunofluorescence with monoclonal antibodies.

Monoclonal antibodies against the group and type specific antigens of Vibrio cholerae O:1 lipopolysaccharide were used for the rapid detection of Vibrio cholerae strains by motility inhibition and immunofluorescence. Motility inhibition of live Vibrio cholerae O:1 was obtained with group specific monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies against the type specific antigens B (Ogawa) and C (Inaba) inhibited motility of strains of homologous serotypes only. Indirect immunofluorescence of heatfixed bacteria with monoclonal antibodies and fluorescein-isothiocyanate conjugated rabbit anti-mouse immunoglobulin was also shown to be suitable for the rapid detection of Vibrio cholerae O:1. Both tests were highly specific and no cross-reactions were observed with strains of non-O:1 vibrios, Escherichia coli or Salmonella spp. tested. However, a weak fluorescence of some Ogawa strains was observed when high concentrations of Inaba specific monoclonal antibodies were used.