Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin

Abstract

The development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of heat-labile E. coli enterotoxin is described. The assay, which is based on the immunological similarity between Vibrio cholerae toxin and heat-labile E. coli enterotoxin, is similar in design to a radioimmunoassay but utilizes enzyme-labeled rather than radioactive isotope-labeled reagents. The ELISA system is as sensitive as radioimmunoassay and the [mouse] Y-1 adrenal [tumor] cell assay for the detection of heat-labile E. coli enterotoxin but requires neither radioactive reagents nor tissue culture techniques. The ELISA is easy to perform and is adaptable for use in small laboratories.