Detection of Salmonella enteritidis in environmental samples by monoclonal antibody-based ELISA

We have developed a enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a monoclonal antibody (ASCII) for the detection of Salmonella enteritidis in environmental samples. ELISA was used to test for sensitivity and specificity of ASCII. 38 other species of bacteria, including 31 Salmonella species were included in cross-reactivity testing with ELISA. ASCII showed no reactivity with any other species tested. ASCII was found to be an IgG1 specific for S. enteritidis lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The lower limits for S. enteritidis detection was 10(5) cells/ml for pure cultures and in 10% sludge (w/v). Environmental samples (raw wastewater, wastewater effluents, mixed liquor and aerobically digested sludge) were obtained twice from five sites and ELISA tested for the presence of S. enteritidis. ELISA results compared to the American Public Health Association (APHA) method of Salmonella detection were not significantly different (P greater than 0.05). The ELISA took 24 h for completion compared to 96-120 h for the APHA procedure. Results demonstrate the reliability of the ELISA and, more importantly, provides a rapid means of detection of S. enteritidis in environmental samples.