Shigella serotyping

Test description

Description:

• Determination of the serogroup and serotype of Shigella by glass plate agglutination.
• Performance of complementary biochemical analyses for species determination (S. dysenteriae, S. flexneri, S. boydii and S. sonnei).
• Re-isolation on selective medium if the culture received by the centre is not pure.
• Confirmatory molecular Luminex test to exclude cross-reaction with E.coli in case of S. flexneri, - boydii and dysenteriae

Result:
Identification of the serogroup, serotype and biotype of Shigella.

Purpose of the test

Characterisation and serogrouping/serotyping of Shigella.

Criteria for performing this test in the context of reference activities

Characterisation and serotyping of all strains isolated from patients showing symptoms of shigellosis.

Instructions for samples

• Type: The applicant sends an isolated and purified Shigella strain in a tube transport medium. On the other hand, a culture in liquid or solid medium or exceptionally a DNA extract from a sample.
• Minimum quantity: Not applicable

Instructions for transport

Samples should be packed in a double container and stored at room temperature. The container should be hermetically sealed. 

Unacceptable applications

Not applicable. 

Turnaround time (and frequency of analysis)

• Turnaround time: 15 working days
• Days of analysis: Any weekday (excluding: public holidays, extended weekends and the period between Christmas and New Year).

Reporting of test results

The analysis report is sent in the manner desired by the applicant.