Abstract: This invention provides methods, compositions, and kits for detecting the presence of toxigenic strains of C. difficile in a biological sample. One embodiment provides methods for C. difficile detection that involve assaying for both C. difficile glutamate dehydrogenase and C. difficile toxin A or toxin B. In another embodiment, the invention provides a highly sensitive assay for C. difficile toxin A that is useful for determining whether a C. difficile strain is toxigenic. This embodiment involves binding of toxin A to a moiety that reversibly binds to a capture moiety present on a magnetic bead. A magnetic field is applied to the sample to concentrate the toxin A, after which the magnetic beads are dissociated and removed from the solution to obtain a highly concentrated preparation of toxin A, thus making possible a very sensitive assay.

Abstract: This invention provides methods, compositions and kits for concentrating target ligands, including microorganisms, from samples, including biological samples. The methods involve the use of magnetic particles to concentrate the target analytes. Also provided are methods, compositions and kits for detecting the presence of target ligands in samples.

Abstract: This invention provides methods, reagents, and kits that are useful for diagnosing infection by E. histolytica. The methods are based on the discovery of binding agents, including recombinant polyclonal antibodies, that bind to the 29 kDa antigen of E. histolytica.

Abstract: This invention provides methods, compositions, and kits for detecting the presence of toxigenic strains of C. difficile in a biological sample. One embodiment provides methods for C. difficile detection that involve assaying for both C. difficile glutamate dehydrogenase and C. difficile toxin A or toxin B. In another embodiment, the invention provides a highly sensitive assay for C. difficile toxin A that is useful for determining whether a C. difficile strain is toxigenic. This embodiment involves binding of toxin A to a moiety that reversibly binds to a capture moiety present on a magnetic bead. A magnetic field is applied to the sample to concentrate the toxin A, after which the magnetic beads are dissociated and removed from the solution to obtain a highly concentrated preparation of toxin A, thus making possible a very sensitive assay.