Immunological tests for diarrhoea caused by diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli targeting their main virulence factors

Abstract

Gene detection does not assure the expression of the corresponding virulence factor. Therefore, the antibody-based assays comprise the largest group of rapid methods that can be employed for the detection of virulence factor production/secretion. For these antibody-based assays, polyclonal, monoclonal, or recombinant antibodies can be employed. Thus, this chapter presents protocols for antibodies that are generated as well as the strategies of standardized and developed immunoassays for diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli diagnosis targeting their main virulence factors.