Clinical evaluations of the Wellcolex Colour Shigella and Salmonella tests

The Wellcolex Colour Salmonella and Shigella tests are rapid latex agglutination procedures for grouping Salmonella and Shigella using an antibody attached to multicolored latex particles. The tests correctly grouped 46 (100%) of 46 Salmonella clinical isolates in groups A through E and G, 42 (100%) of 42 Shigella clinical isolates, and seven (88%) of eight Shigella stock cultures. The stock culture missed had been passed through many transfers and may have lost some of its antigenicity. The Wellcolex Colour Salmonella test was also found useful in detecting and grouping Salmonella spp. directly from blood culture bottles.