[Detection of Salmonella in faecal, tissue, and feed samples by conventional culture methods and VIDAS Salmonella Test].

The VIDAS Salmonella Test (VST) is an enzyme-linked fluorescent immunoassay for the detection of Salmonella-antigens. The suitability of VST for the detection of Salmonella in faecal, tissue, and feed samples was evaluated by the comparison with routine culture methods. From 312 naturally contaminated samples 17 were classified as Salmonella positive by routine methods and 28 by VST. Salmonella were isolated from 15 VST positive samples by the routine method and from eight samples only by an extended culture method. Five positive VST results could not be proved by culture. Two samples were classified as positive by the routine method and as false-negative by VST. The sensitivity varied between 88% and 100% and the specifity between 92% and 100%, depending on the kind of sample. Matrix or serovar specific factors resulting in a false VST result could not be determined. The performance of VST was easy and did not require special experiences. Mostly, samples with Salmonella negative results were faster detected than by culture methods. VST is suitable for the detection of Salmonella in the studied kind of samples especially as a screening method.