Ex Vivo and In Vitro Methods for Detection of Bioactive Staphylococcal Enterotoxins

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus is a major bacterial cause of clinical infections and foodborne illnesses. Through the synthesis of a group of Staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs), gastroenteritis occurs and the SEs function as superantigens to massively activate T cells. The ability to rapidly detect and quantify SEs is imperative in order to learn the causes of staphylococcal outbreaks and to stop similar outbreaks in the future. Also, the ability to discern active toxin is essential for development of food treatment and processing methods. Here, we discuss the various methodologies for detection and analysis of SEs.