Abstract: A motility channel pathogen detector and method of use of the detector are disclosed for detecting a target motile pathogen in a test sample of potential pathogens. The motility channel pathogen detector includes: a dish having a base and walls arising from the base to define a motility channel; an anti-serum end of the motility channel; an inoculation end of the motility channel opposed to the anti-serum end; and opposed channel walls that cooperate to define the motility channel between the anti-serum and inoculation ends of the channel. A growth medium is positioned in the motility channel and an anti-serum that biologically interacts with the target motile pathogen is positioned in the growth medium in the anti-serum end so that the anti-serum diffuses in the growth medium to form an anti-serum front between the channel walls.