Abstract: In one aspect of the invention there is described a method of detecting the presence of toxins, which may traverse bacterial membranes in some manner, in environmental samples using an indicator bacteria such as E. coli K-12 and a fluorescent signal. The method includes:(a) obtaining a positive control signal by placing an indicator bacteria strain such as E. coli K-12 and a bactericidal peptide such as a cecropin in a suitable buffer containing a fluorescent marker for bacterial DNA such as SYTOX;(b) obtaining a negative control signal by placing only the indicator bacteria strain in the buffer containing the fluorescent marker for bacterial DNA;(c) obtaining a test signal by combining an environmental test sample with the indicator bacteria strain and the fluorescent marker for bacterial DNA in the buffer; and(d) comparing the signal generated by the test sample to that obtained for the negative control.

Abstract: A method of identifying pathogens, comprising the steps of forming a micrhere having a fluorescent compound attached thereto as a solid matrix for the fluorescent compound. A single strand of DNA is immobilized on the matrix to form a probe, and prior to that a short complementary central piece is formed with a fluorescent compound labelled on one end thereof which joins the central piece to the probe. The two strands bind to form a microsphere/probe complex which is subjected to contact with a complementary strand of an unknown sample to displace the centrally attached probe appendage to provide an increase in fluorescent signal indicative of the emission maxima of the dye in the microsphere to verify the similarity of the unknown sample with known members of the complex.

Abstract: A novel laboratory method and a kit for rapid detection and identification of Yersinia bacteria using the polymerase chain reaction with specific primers and specific restriction enzymes to differentiate among Yersinia at the species level and to separate Yersinia from other species of bacteria.

Abstract: A microorganism detection system provides initial warning, confirmation of dentity, and recognition of pathogenic factors in microorganisms from environmental samples. The method and apparatus of the invention uses different sized antibody coated microspheres which react with unknown antigens, are sized by electronic volume sizing, and are sorted by size. The sized particles are quantitated in addition to being sized. The microsphere sizes indicate the presence of specific microorganism groups.The samples can be further analyzed using fluorescent microspheres which agglutinate with the sized microspheres. The presence of specific microorganisms is indicated by a change in the fluorescence of the sample.

Abstract: A substantially rigid, multi-well, self-pipetting device for use in chemical, immunochemical and microorganism analysis is provided. It includes a frame and a plurality of test wells disposed within the frame. A filing manifold communicates with each of the test wells through a filling passageway. A docking port on the periphery of the device receives a reservoir holding a fluid specimen. The docking port communicates with the filling manifold through a filling port and a filling channel. A vent control system also communicates with the test wells and is comprised of one or more vent manifolds, and/or valves to a vent manifold, and/or one or more vent holes to the ambient atmosphere. Any vent holes present are temporarily closed.