R-Biopharm (Darmstadt) has brought to the market the fastest assay currently available for the specific detection of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC).
With the new RIDA®GENE EHEC/EPEC rapid test, a testing laboratory can reliably identify infection with EHEC pathogens in less than two hours. A faster test result makes it possible to initiate treatment measures in the affected patients more quickly. In view of the rapid rise in the number of EHEC cases seen recently, this time advantage is of tremendous benefit. With conventional EHEC assays, the test samples must be cultivated for a period of 24 to 36 hours before these bacteria can be identified. R-Biopharm specializes in the development of test systems for the detection of EHEC pathogens and works together with reputable reference laboratories such as the Robert Koch Institute.
RIDA®GENE EHEC/EPEC is a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test that responds to the specific pathogenicity factors associated with EHEC and STEC (Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli) bacteria, including the Shiga toxin 1 and 2 genes as well as the intimin eae gene. The production of Shiga toxins is a feature that all EHEC pathogens have in common. Therefore, it is a particularly useful parameter for the detection of these microorganisms. A negative test result excludes the presence of STEC/EHEC with high reliability.
Cause of the outbreak remains unclear
EHEC strain O104 is suspected to be partly responsible for the current outbreak of the disease in Germany. Experts are also investigating other EHEC strains that come into question as potential causes of the current epidemic. RIDA®GENE EHEC/EPEC can detect all strains of these pathogenic bacteria. EHEC infection can progress to bloody diarrhea, in many cases, producing symptoms associated with renal damage. In particular, some patients may develop a condition known as hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to irreversible kidney damage and neurological deficits. The current number of cases of EHEC in Germany is extremely high, which is a first in terms of the incidence of hemolytic-uremic syndrome.
Different test systems for different needs
RIDASCREEN® Verotoxin and RIDA®QUICK Verotoxin/O157 Combi –two well-established test systems by R-Biopharm – detect pathogenic Escherichia coli bacteria based on identification of the presence of verotoxin 1 and 2; these assays can be employed instead of the new rapid test or for confirmation of positive results obtained with it. These RIDASCREEN® ELISAs are particularly well suited for performing large test series, whereas RIDA®QUICK is best used to process a smaller number of samples. The rapid test enables simultaneous detection of strain O157, the most dangerous member of the EHEC family identified so far. In addition, R-Biopharm supplies an enrichment broth that effectively stimulates the production of Shiga toxins in EHEC cells for rapid cultivation of the pathogen.
R-Biopharm AG: Experienced developer of innovative test systems
R-Biopharm AG has been engaged for many years in the development of test kits for the reliable detection of diarrheal pathogens, including in particular EHEC bacteria. The Darmstadt-based company has developed different test systems for the reliable detection of EHEC bacteria in human stool samples as well as in all kinds of food and feed products. R-Biopharm cooperates closely with public reference laboratories such as the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) and markets its products worldwide.
R-Biopharm – One-stop provider of reliable and proven solutions
With its innovative and reliable products, R-Biopharm develops pioneering solutions for clinical diagnostics as well as for food and feed analysis. Regarding clinical diagnostics, the company has many years of solid experience, particularly in the field of infectological stool diagnostics, as well as in serological infection diagnostics and allergy diagnostics. In the field of food & feed analysis, R-Biopharm has an impressive product portfolio of established immunological, enzymatic and microbiological test kits for the detection of residues, ingredients and microbiological contaminants in food and feed products. In both areas, reliable analytical tests are of great value to the health of patients and consumers. R-Biopharm has been DIN EN ISO 9001-certified since 1996. It obtained certification under quality management standard ISO 13485 in 2003.
