Abstract: A Dot-Blot assay ("spot test") with Bis-N,N,dioctadecylamide (BDA.TDA) as antigen was developed to detect anti-BDA.TDA antibodies in tuberculosis patients. To develop the antigen-antibody reaction, as a first step and in order to enhance the reaction, an anti-human rabbit serum was used followed by incubation with a protein A-colloidal gold conjugate. This assay showed almost equal sensitivity and specificity as the .beta.-galactosidase ELISA test which was conducted in parallel. This simple and fast assay could be used in places where ELISA equipment is not easily available.

Abstract: A sampler for determining the microbiological safety or hygienic quality of surfaces comprising a scrubber-retainer which comprises a compressible liquid absorbing elastic element for scrubbing a test surface and releasably retaining a liquid, and a surrounding chamber to confine a region around the scrubber-retainer against the sample surface. The sampler includes a drive mechanism for moving the scrubber-retainer to scrub the test surface and release analytes from the test surface, and alternately compressing and decompressing the compressible material to allow liquid to be alternately released and absorbed, respectively, to produce a suspension of the released analytes.

Abstract: Murine monoclonal antibodies directed against a novel outer membrane protein (OMP) of Haemophilus influenzae have been isolated and characterized. The gene encoding of the outer membrane protein has also been isolated and characterized. Portions of the DNA sequence of the 15 kD OMP gene are useful as probes to diagnose the presence of Haemophilus influenzae in samples. These DNA's also make available polypeptide sequences of immunoreactive epitopes encoded within the gene, thus permitting the production of polypeptides which are useful as standards or reagents in diagnostic tests and/or as components of vaccines. Monoclonal antibodies directed against epitopes of the 15 kD OMP are also useful for diagnostic tests and as therapeutic agents for passive immunization.

Abstract: A method of testing for tuberculosis and leprosy in animals or humans and antigens used in the method. The method involves carrying out an assay on sera from humans or animals using an antigen to bind antibodies in sera. The antigens used in the method are synthetic pseudo cord factor-like glycolipids having the structures (I) or (II) below: ##STR1## wherein R represents a straight or branched chain alkyl group having 15 to 18 carbon atoms. The antigens can be produced by chemical synthesis, and can therefore be made available in suitable quantities, and are relatively stable at ambient temperatures while showing good sensitivity and specificity for tuberculosis and leprosy. The antigens can be used, for example, for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and related "spot tests" for diagnosing tuberculosis and leprosy.