Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of a particular motile organism within a sample are disclosed. The sample may be derived from dry milk, raw meat, poultry or a clinical specimen. A preferred method of using the device includes inoculating a selective enrichment medium containing a chemotactic attractant with the sample and contacting the selective enrichment medium with a nonselective motility medium containing a chemotactic attractant in a concentration less than the attractant concentration in the selective enrichment medium. Upon incubation, the motile organism metabolizes the chemotactic attractant, allowing the organism to move into the motility medium where it interacts with antibodies specific for the organism, thereby causing the formation of a persistent immobilization band. The device is particularly useful in detecting Salmonella.This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 773,201, filed Sep. 9, 1985 and issued as U.S. Pat. NO. 4,920,063 on Apr.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus, a device, and a method using the inventive device and apparatus for the sequential enrichment of a particular microorganism to a threshold level to allow for its detection. The use of the apparatus for sequential microbial enrichment shortens the time period normally spent to enrich samples to permit the growth of enough microorganisms to detect the particular microorganism(s) of interest. The invention eliminates the need for multiple manual transfers of potentially biohazardous materials.

Abstract: Methods and associated devices for detecting the presence of a particular motile organism within a sample are disclosed. The sample may be derived from dry milk, raw meat, poultry or a clinical specimen. A preferred method includes inoculating a selective enrichment medium containing a chemotactic attractant with the sample and contacting the selective enrichment medium with a nonselective motility medium containing a chemotatic attractant in a concentration less than the attractant concentration in the selective enrichment medium. Upon incubation, the motile organism metabolizes the chemotactic attractant, allowing the organism to move into the motility medium where it interacts with antibodies specific for the organism, thereby causing the formation of a persistent immobilization band. The methods are particularly useful in detecting Salmonella.

Abstract: A device is adapted for containing a volume of growth medium and employed for detection of gas produced by a microorganism or microorganisms putatively contained within a test sample and added to the growth medium, comprising a primary chamber, a dome defined by the top surface of the primary chamber and communicating therewith, the dome establishing a fluid level and adapted for collection of gas produced by a microorganism within the growth medium, and a fill section adjacent to and communicating with one end of the primary chamber, the fill section spaced apart from the dome and extending above the fluid level, and further defining an opening for the addition of a test sample. The device may be sealed by means of a removable closure. An apparatus also consists of an array of substantially identical devices is also disclosed.

Abstract: A motility-immunoimmobilization method permits the detection of a particular motile organism, such as Salmonella, in a sample.