Abstract: A test kit for detecting the presence of a specific microorganism in a biological sample utilizing the phenomenon of genetic transformation. The test kit comprises a transformable variant of said specific microorganism, such as auxotrophs which are distinguishable from their wild parent strain. The variants are transformed by deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extracted from microorganism cells present in a biological test sample. The detection of transformed cells indicates the presence of the specific microorganism under determination in the sample. The microorganism cells present in the biological sample are lysed utilizing an aqueous solution containing a surfactant capable of performing the lysing step.

Abstract: A method for the genetic detection of specific microorganisms based on the phenomenon of transformation is disclosed. Variants such as auxotrophs which are distinguishable from their wild, parent strain are transformed by deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extracted from microorganism cells present in a biological test sample. The detection of transformed cells indicates the presence of the specific microorganism under determination in the sample. The transforming-DNA is in a sterile, crude form, thereby providing a simple, rapid, and highly specific test method.