A simple procedure for identification ofClostridium botulinum colonies.

For direct identification of toxigenic colonies ofClostridium botulinum type E, suspected colonies are uniformly suspended in a phosphate buffer containing 0.5% (w/v) gelatin and 0.05% (w/v) Tween 20. After centrifuging, the supernatant is tested for botulinal toxin by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The assay is specific for this type as it did not react with culture filtrates of otherClostridium species, including non-toxigenic 'E-like' organisms.