ViroStat has announces the release of new monoclonal antibody pairs to clostridia glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), validated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). These antibodies represent a new set of tools for rapid detection.
Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea (CDAD) is the leading cause of nosocomial diarrhoea. The spread of this bacterium is difficult to control due to its resistant spores that survive on many surfaces. Thus, rapid detection is crucial to its control. Most rapid tests target the toxins (A & B) produced during the infection.
Another diagnostic target is GDH, an enzyme produced and released during bacterial growth. Studies have shown that adding GDH detection together with toxin detection by enzyme-linked immunoassay (EIA) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) significantly improves assay specificity.
ViroStat is a primary manufacturer, supplying infectious disease reagents to researchers and rapid test manufacturers. Data sheets for these antibodies can be downloaded from the company website, as can a copy of the new ViroStat catalogue.
