dye labelled monoclonal antibody assay for detection of toxic shock syndrome toxin -1 from staphylococcus aureus

objective : the aim of study was to develop a rapid assay, dye labelled monoclonal antibody assay (dlmaa), using non-radioactive organic synthetic dyes for identification of toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (tsst-1) producing strains of staphylococcus aureus. materials and methods: the assay protocol required only two simple steps; addition of tsst-1 antigen to a nitrocellulose membrane and then adding a colloidal dye labelled antibody (d/a) suspension detection reagent. results : the sensitivity and specificity of the assay was determined relative to positive and negative strains compared to an elisa assay. overall 100% agreement was found between both assays. the sensitivity for detection of tsst-1 was 30 ng. conclusion : the dlmaa did not require handling and disposal of radioactive materials. it is a rapid qualitative technique for detection of tsst-1 toxin at room temperature within a short time.