Method for detecting pathogens
The present invention relates generally to methods for detecting and identifying microorganisms and, more particularly, to methods for detecting microorganisms in a sample by incubating the sample at two temperatures to facilitate increased detection of the organism.
1. A method for capturing Listeria in a sample comprising:
(a) culturing the Listeria in the sample in a liquid general enrichment medium in a container at a first temperature wherein the first temperature is about 37° C. and prevents production of at least one endogenous protein and wherein the first temperature allows for optimal growth of the Listeria ; then
(b) transferring the entire container comprising the liquid general enrichment medium and the cultured Listeria of step (a) to a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is about 30° C.;
(c) culturing the Listeria in the sample in the liquid general enrichment medium in the same container at the second temperature wherein the second temperature allows production of the at least one endogenous protein; and
(d) contacting the cultured Listeria of step (c) with a reagent that specifically binds to the at least one endogenous protein;
thereby capturing Listeria in the sample.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one endogenous protein comprises a flagellin protein.
3. A method for capturing Listeria in a sample comprising:
(a) culturing the Listeria in the sample in a liquid general enrichment medium in a container at a first temperature wherein the first temperature is about 37° C. and prevents production of at least one endogenous protein and wherein the first temperature allows for optimal growth of the Listeria ; then
(b) transferring the entire container comprising at least a portion of the liquid general enrichment medium and the cultured Listeria of step (a) to a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is about 30° C.;
(c) culturing the Listeria in the sample in the liquid general enrichment medium in the same container at the second temperature wherein the second temperature allows production of the at least one endogenous protein; and
(d) contacting the cultured Listeria of step (c) with a reagent that specifically binds to the at least one endogenous protein;
thereby capturing the Listeria in the sample.