A rapid method for detection of Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O:3 in pig feces using monoclonal antibodies.

A simple colony immunoblotting method using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) was developed to detect Y. enterocolitica serotype O:3 in pig feces. One of the MAbs studied was able to detect single colonies of the organism in the presence of calculated 3.1 x 10(8) heterologous organisms in pig feces. The MAb was found to be specific for the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) O-antigens of Y. enterocolitica serotype O:3. No significant cross-reactivity was found against a variety of closely related serotypes and Gram-negative organisms. The MAb could also be used in a slide agglutination test and an indirect fluorescence antibody assay for rapid identification of Y. enterocolitica serotype O:3.