The Rapid CAMP Test for Identification of Streptococcus agalactiae Using Alpha Toxin

Abstract

Alpha toxin derived from Clostridium perfringens was used for diagnosis of Streptococcus agalactiae (St.agalactiae) by rapid and spot CAMP tests. The selected Cl.perfringens strain was cultured in optimized conditions; the supernatant of culture was concentrated by ultra filter and purified by DEAE cellulose chromatography. The efficacy of both purified and crude α-toxins were examined by rapid and spot CAMP tests. The result of this study indicates that there is no significant difference between the purified and crude enzyme in identification of St.agalactiae. The specificity of the enzyme was confirmed by testing of different Streptococcus spp. The run time require for spot and rapid CAMP tests using α-toxin were between 10-90 minutes and 4-6 hours, respectively, whereas the traditional test needs 18-24 hours for running.