Abstract: A method is provided for the detection of low levels of a microorganism in a sample in the presence of competing microflora, comprising the steps of: (a) exposing the sample to a solid support to which are adsorbed antibodies specific for said microorganism; (b) washing the solid support to remove unbound material; (c) combining the solid support with sterile nutrient broth which permits replication of said microorganism; (d) incubating the solid support with said nutrient broth at a temperature and for a time sufficient to allow said microorganism to replicate and be recaptured by said antibodies on said solid support; (e) releasing the bound microorganism from the solid support into a solution; and (f)assaying the solution for the microorganism. A kit for performing the assay also is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the detection of low numbers of a particular microorganism or microorganisms from a mixed population, the method comprising exposing the sample to a solid support to which antibodies specific for the organism(s) are adsorbed and either growing the bound organism(s) to a detectable level followed by immunoassay or releasing the organisms from the support followed by growth on a non-selective medium and observation of the resultant colonies. The invention also relates to test kits for performing these methods.