E. coli O157:H7
E. coli O157:H7 is a highly virulent pathogen implicated in food and waterborne outbreaks. Documented outbreaks include over 10,000 cases with several hundred deaths.
Existing methods for detection of E. coli O157:H7 in water are non-standardized, have poor sensitivity, or require enrichment steps resulting in assay times exceeding 72 hours.
The WSLH has developed a rapid flow cytometric assay capable of attaining presumptive positive results in less than 8 hours. Presumptive positives are confirmed using culture and PCR. The assay also improves sensitivity down to 10 organisms/500 mL, an acceptable level for public health investigations.
Please note that this test is offered as a research tool only.
