Abstract: A method for the continuous culturing of microbes in a plug-flow reactor which comprises the steps of:A. supplying medium to microbes immobilized on a porous inorganic support at a rate sufficient to maintain such microbes substantially in a logarithmic growth stateandB. removing microbe-containing effluent from the immobilized microbes at a rate equal to the medium supply rate, wherein the microbes are selected from the group consisting of bacteria, yeasts, and fungus-like organisms; such reactor is operated continuously in a substantially plug-flow mode; the immobilized microbes are substantially covered by said medium; and such porous inorganic support has a controlled porosity such that at least 70% of the pores, on a pore size distribution basis, have a pore diameter,a. in the case of bacteria, at least as large as the smallest major dimension of the microbes but less than about five times the largest major dimension of the microbes;b.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of Neisseria bacteria in a fluid sample which comprises bringing immobilized antibody specific for the enzyme 1,2-propanediol dehydrogenase which is released from such bacteria upon lysis thereof, into contact with a lysed sample, isolating the immobilized antibody or resulting immobilized antibody-enzyme complex or mixture thereof, and then testing the isolated material for enzymatic activity.

Abstract: Bacteria immobilized by adsorption on an inorganic carrier are stabilized by carrying out the adsorption procedure in the presence of from about 1 to about 20% weight per volume of sucrose of nonfat dry milk solids and lyophilizing the adsorbed bacteria.

Abstract: This invention relates to means for transporting clinical specimens wherein the activity thereof can be retained for relatively long periods of time. The crux of the invention resides in a liquid reagent capable of preserving or stabilizing the activity of a particular specimen. Where the clinical specimen is Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the preferred liquid reagent consists of an aqueous mixture of cysteine and TRIS (Trihydroxymethylaminomethane) buffer. A convenient type of specimen collector comprises a swab. Again, where the clinical specimen is Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the preferred swab consists of calcium alginate. An apparatus particularly useful for transporting specimens comprises a screw-capped container having a liquid reagent sealed into the bottom portion thereof capable of preserving the activity of a particular specimen, and a specimen collector attachable to the inside of said screw cap through a longitudinal element of sufficient length to immerse said collector into said liquid.

Abstract: Device for simultaneous recognition of group D streptococci and the differentiation of members of that group into enterococci and nonenterococci bacteria. Device comprises an elongated substantially cylindrical transparent tube having upper and lower chambers joined by a conduit having a smallest diameter smaller than either chamber. The upper chamber contains a semi-solid bile-esculin medium capable of indicating the presence of group D streptococci. The lower chamber contains a semi-solid enterococci distinguishing medium having a NaCl content of at least about 6.5%. Media in the two chambers are separated by a gas (e.g., air) within the conduit.

Abstract: A microbial growth medium for distinguishing Neisseria gonorrhoeae from Neisseria meningitidis. The medium comprises a gonococci and meningococci specific medium having incorporated therein a quantity of 8-anilino-1-naphthalene-sulfonic acid (ANS) or a salt thereof, at a concentration sufficient to permit the growth of the meningococci and inhibit the growth of the gonococci.