Liposome PCR Assay Is More Sensitive than the Vibrio cholerae Enterotoxin and Escherichia coli Heat-Labile Enterotoxin Reversed Passive Latex Agglutination Test at Detecting Cholera Toxin in Feces and Water

Practical detection of cholera toxin (CT) by a liposome PCR (LPCR) immunoassay was compared to that of an established V. cholerae enterotoxin and Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin reversed passive latex agglutination (VET-RPLA) assay. LPCR detected CT in the range of 10 pg/ml to 100 ng/ml in simulated feces and environmental water. Detection by VET-RPLA required at least 4 to 19 ng/ml CT.