Evaluation of an X-ray microprobe technique as a possible aid to detect salmonellae

The X-ray microprobe was examined as a possible aid in the detection of salmonellae. Results obtained indicate that specific bacterial antigen (Salmonella) increased in phosphorus and sulfur after reaction with the fluorescein isothiocyanate tagged specific antibody. Nonspecific antigen (Escherichia coli) did not increase in phosphorus and sulfur after reaction with fluorescein isothiocyanate tagged anti-Salmonella antibody. The technique developed supports the hypothesis that X-ray microprobe analysis may be useful in detecting salmonellae, or other bacteria, by determining increases in the elemental constituents of bacterial cells when reacted with elemental-tagged antibodies.