Diagnostic test for pseudomonas aeruginosa infections

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Methods and reagents are provided for a novel immunodiagnostic test for the presence of P. aeruginosa in a biological sample. Monoclonal antibodies are employed which bind to an outer membrane protein antigen which may be exposed by a solubilizing reagent. The antibody binds substantially all strains of P. aeruginosa. No cross-reactivity with other species of Pseudomonas or with other clinically significant gran-negative or gram-positive species is observed. Conjugating the monoclonal antibody of the invention with a fluorescent label provides for a rapid and sensitive direct immunofluorescent test for P. aeruginosa.