Rapid bacteriologic identification For which organisms is the slide agglutination test commonly useful in rapid culture identification at the bench?

Introduction / Context:
Slide agglutination is a rapid serologic method used in microbiology labs to provisionally identify bacterial isolates using specific antisera. It is especially helpful with enteric pathogens and vibrios during outbreak investigations and routine diagnostics.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Organisms listed: Shigella, Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella.
• Assume availability of appropriate type- or group-specific antisera.
• Goal is rapid presumptive identification from culture growth.

Concept / Approach:

When bacterial surface antigens react with matching antibodies, visible clumping occurs on a glass slide. Salmonella is classified by O (somatic) and H (flagellar) antigens; Shigella uses O antisera to assign serogroups; Vibrio cholerae is typed with O1/O139 antisera. A positive agglutination provides quick confirmation pending full biochemical/serologic panels.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Confirmatory tests include biochemical identification (API systems), MALDI-TOF MS, and additional serotyping; concordance with slide agglutination supports accuracy.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Choosing any single organism ignores widespread use across these genera.
• “None of these” contradicts routine lab practice.

Common Pitfalls:

• Using rough or autoagglutinating strains without proper controls can yield false positives.
• Old cultures may alter antigen expression; use fresh growth.

Final Answer:

All of these