Cross-reactivity of latex agglutination assay complicates the identification of Burkholderia pseudomallei from soil.

The researchers found that existing tests for melioidosis, a disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, may produce incorrect results due to cross-reactivity with other types of bacteria found in soil. This complicates the accurate identification of this bacteria.

Background

• Burkholderia pseudomallei is the bacterium responsible for melioidosis, a serious infectious disease. This bacterium is often found in soil and standing water in regions endemic for this disease.
• The primary method of diagnosing melioidosis in many major hospitals, particularly in Thailand and other endemic areas, is a latex agglutination test.
• Latex agglutination tests are rapid diagnosis techniques that use monoclonal antibodies to target a high molecular weight exopolysaccharide antigen specific to B. pseudomallei.

Study Purpose

• The study aimed at identifying potential complications with this form of diagnostic test, in particular, its cross-reactivity with other soil bacteria.
• This could be a concern for the presumptive identification of B. pseudomallei amongst other bacteria which grow from soil samples.

Method

• Soil specimens were collected from southern Thailand, an area endemic for melioidosis.
• These soil samples harbored various types of bacteria, among which the researchers tried to identify colonies of B. pseudomallei using latex agglutination tests.

Findings

• The study found that latex agglutination tests, had cross-reactivity with other soil bacteria such as B. territorii, B. pseudomultivorans, B. multivorans and B. cenocepacia.
• Meaning, these other types of bacteria also reacted to the antibodies used in the test and could have been wrongly identified as B. pseudomallei.

Significance

• This study emphasizes the need for more specific diagnostic tests for melioidosis to avoid the potential misidentification of other bacteria as B. pseudomallei.
• The findings can influence future research and development of more accurate diagnostic tools.