Mixed cell diagnostic systems

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to the field of diagnostic microbiology, and, more particularly, to compositions and methods for detecting and differentiating one or more viruses or other intracellular parasites present in a specimen. The present invention also provides compositions and methods to evaluate the susceptibility of a organisms to antimicrobial agents.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for the detection of enterovirus in a sample, comprising: 
 a) providing: 
 i) a sample suspected of containing enterovirus; and  
 ii) a mixed cell culture comprising at least two cell types, wherein said cell types comprise RD cells and human mucoepidermoid cells;  
   b) inoculating said mixed cell culture with at least a portion of said sample to produce an inoculated culture; and    c) observing said inoculated culture for the presence of said enterovirus.    
     
     
         2 . The method of    claim 1   , wherein said human mucoepidermoid cell is H292.  
     
     
         3 . The method of    claim 1   , wherein said enterovirus is selected from Coxsackie viruses, echoviruses, and polioviruses.  
     
     
         4 . A method for the detection of enterovirus in a sample, comprising: 
 a) providing: 
 i) a sample suspected of containing enterovirus; and  
 ii) a mixed cell culture comprising at least two cell types, wherein one of said cell types comprises Caco-2 cells;  
   b) inoculating said mixed cell culture with at least a portion of said sample to produce an inoculated culture; and    c) observing said inoculated culture for the presence of said enterovirus.    
     
     
         5 . The method of    claim 4   , wherein said cell type other than said Caco-2 cells is selected from RD cells, H292 cells, BGMK cells, and A549 cells.  
     
     
         6 . The method of    claim 4   , wherein said enterovirus is selected from Coxsackie viruses, echoviruses, polioviruses, rotaviruses, astroviruses, and adenoviruses.  
     
     
         7 . A method for the detection and identification of parainfluenza virus in a sample, comprising the steps of: 
 a) providing: 
 i) a sample suspected of containing parainfluenza virus; and  
 ii) a mixed cell culture comprising at least two cell types, wherein one of said cell types comprises mink lung cells;  
   b) inoculating said mixed cell culture with at least a portion of said sample to produce an inoculated culture; and    c) observing said inoculated culture for the presence of said parainfluenza virus.    
     
     
         8 . The method of    claim 7   , wherein said mink lung cells are Mv1Lu cells.  
     
     
         9 . The method of    claim 7   , wherein said parainfluenza virus is selected from type 1, type 2 and type 3.