Detection of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli with formalin-preserved HEp-2 cells.

Formalin-stored HEp-2 cells were used to assay Escherichia coli for adherence. Cells refrigerated in formalin for up to 28 days and used in a wet assay format demonstrated an assay sensitivity ranging from 94 to 98% to detect enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC). HEp-2 cells first fixed and stored with formalin and then stored dry in ambient conditions for 6 weeks demonstrated an assay sensitivity of 92% to detect EAEC. Using formalin-fixed HEp-2 cells will improve the efficiency of EAEC identification.