Abstract: An extraction composition is described which is buffered to a pH from about 8 to about 11 and which contains from about 1 to about 10 weight percent of a water-soluble cationic surfactant which is a quaternary ammonium salt or a mixture thereof and from about 1 to about 10 weight percent of an anionic surfactant which has a sulfate anion having from 6 to 14 carbon atoms and an alkali metal or ammonium cation. The extraction composition is used to extract antigens from Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis or Prevotella intermedia. Extracted antigens are determined using immunological methods. The extraction composition can be supplied as part of a diagnostic test kit.

Abstract: Antigens extracted from one or more serotypes of a Bacteroides microorganism are rapidly and sensitively detected when directly bound to a water-insoluble substrate. The bound antigens are detected by forming an immunological complex on the substrate when the antigen reacts with the appropriate antibody. The antibody-antigen complex can be detected directly or by means of a second antibody which is directed to the Bacteroides antibody. The entire assay can be carried out at room temperature in less than about 15 minutes.