Identification of Listeria monocytogenes by the Fluorescent Antibody Technic

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Abstract
A description is given of the preparation of a fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled polyvalent somatic immune serum which gave specific reactions with all 30 strains of Listeria representing the 4 types of Patterson, and Seeliger''s type IVb. Also described is the preparation of flagellar and whole cell sera, of which the flagellar can be used as an ancillary reagent. Of 180 other bacterial strains tested, including 21 of Staphylococcus, there were no specific reactions, as indicated by the orange-red characteristics of the bacteria cuased by the nonspecific uptake of the Lissamine rhodamine RB 200 counterstain used. Of 8 sera tested, with significant heterophile titers, specific fluorescence was obtained from a panel of 16 Listeria organisms. However, 25 normal sera gave identical results. Technical implications of the fluorescent technic are discussed, especially the characterization of immune and "so-called" normal sera, and also the preparation of immune sera to be used with the technic. It is pointed out that when using the counter staining technic, specific fluorescence indicates an antigen-antibody reaction. The intesnity or degree of fluorescence should not be considered of diagnostic significance.