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29 July 2003

NEW RAPID LISTERIA TEST

A simple new biochemical test from Oxoid Limited - O.B.I.S . mono - differentiates Listeria monocytogenes from other non-pathogenic Listeria species in just 10 minutes, enabling clinicians to test for the presence of this potentially fatal pathogen at a much earlier stage.

The diagnosis of listeriosis involves culturing for this organism from blood, cerebrospinal fluid or faecal specimens. Following enrichment and culture on a Listeria -selective medium, further identification steps are required to confirm the presence or absence of Listeria monocytogenes since other Listeria species have similar colonial appearance but do not cause disease in man.

In the past this confirmation has taken several days to obtain a result, but now O.B.I.S . mono is able to provide an answer in just 10 minutes.

O.B.I.S . mono detects D- alanyl aminopeptidase ( DALAase ), an enzyme produced by all Listeria species with the notable exception of Listeria monocytogenes . The presence of this enzyme is indicated by a vivid colour reaction, confirming that suspect colonies are not Listeria monocytogenes . In the absence of a colour reaction, the suspect colonies are presumptive Listeria monocytogenes and appropriate action can be taken promptly.

For more information please contact Val Kane, tel: +44 (0) 1256 841144, fax: +44 (0) 1456 329728, Email: val.kane@oxoid.com.