In certain aspects, provided herein are methods and kits for detecting the presence of C. difficile in a biological sample. Also provided herein are methods of selecting of identifying a subject that would benefit from C. difficile treatment.

Provided herein is a method for determining the bioavailability of a metal ion in a composition comprising a source of the metal ion, wherein the metal ion has antimicrobial activity, and wherein the method comprises: a) incubating a sample of the composition with bacterial cells, and b) determining the viability of the bacterial cells after incubation. The method is useful for determining the effect of agents on the bioavailability of metal ions in a composition.

A device for differentially enumerating colonies of coliform and Escherichia coli microorganisms is provided. The device comprises a water-impermeable first sheet; a water-impermeable second sheet attached to the first sheet; a dry, rehydratable culture medium comprising a lactose-fermentation indicator system, a β-D-glucuronidase indicator system that comprises a plurality of compounds that enhance β-glucuronidase enzyme activity in E. coli, a redox indicator system and a first cold-water soluble gelling agent adhered to the first sheet, the culture medium disposed in a microbial growth zone; and a second cold-water-soluble gelling agent adhered to the second sheet. The microbial growth zone is disposed between the first sheet and the second sheet. Methods of using the device are also provided.

In certain aspects, provided herein are methods and kits for detecting the presence of C. difficile in a biological sample. Also provided herein are methods of selecting of identifying a subject that would benefit from C. difficile treatment.

A device for differentially enumerating colonies of coliform and Escherichia coli microorganisms is provided. The device comprises a water-impermeable first sheet; a water-impermeable second sheet attached to the first sheet; a dry, rehydratable culture medium comprising a lactose-fermentation indicator system, a -D-glucuronidase indicator system that comprises a plurality of compounds that enhance -glucuronidase enzyme activity in E. coli, a redox indicator system and a first cold-water soluble gelling agent adhered to the first sheet, the culture medium disposed in a microbial growth zone; and a second cold-water-soluble gelling agent adhered to the second sheet. The microbial growth zone is disposed between the first sheet and the second sheet. Methods of using the device are also provided.

Provided herein is a method for determining the bioavailability of a metal ion in a composition comprising a source of the metal ion, wherein the metal ion has antimicrobial activity, and wherein the method comprises: a) incubating a sample of the composition with bacterial cells, and b) determining the viability of the bacterial cells after incubation. The method is useful for determining the effect of agents on the bioavailability of metal ions in a composition.

A device for differentially enumerating colonies of coliform and Escherichia coli microorganisms is provided. The device comprises a water-impermeable first sheet; a water-impermeable second sheet attached to the first sheet; a dry, rehydratable culture medium comprising a lactose-fermentation indicator system, a -D-glucuronidase indicator system, and a first cold-water soluble gelling agent adhered to the first sheet, the culture medium disposed in a microbial growth zone; and a second cold-water-soluble gelling agent adhered to the second sheet. The microbial growth zone is disposed between the first sheet and the second sheet. The first sheet and second sheet are configured to retard passage of carbon dioxide therethrough. Methods of using the device are also provided.

The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a microbial detection device, microbial detection method, microbial detection kit and microbial detection device. The manufacturing method includes the following steps: defining a sampling portion and a reaction portion on a substrate. Fiber materials are disposed in the reaction portion and a surface of the reaction portion which contacts with the fiber materials comprises abundant hydroxyl groups. Reaction reagents are then added into the fiber materials. An acidic solution is applied to treat the fiber materials and the hydroxyl groups in the reaction portion.

The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a microbial detection device, microbial detection method, microbial detection kit and microbial detection device. The manufacturing method includes the following steps: defining a sampling portion and a reaction portion on a substrate. Fiber materials are disposed in the reaction portion and a surface of the reaction portion which contacts with the fiber materials comprises abundant hydroxyl groups. Reaction reagents are then added into the fiber materials. An acidic solution is applied to treat the fiber materials and the hydroxyl groups in the reaction portion.

The present disclosure provides a method of detecting a target bacterium. The method includes forming a primary enrichment culture that includes a test sample, a primary enrichment medium and a redox dye; incubating the primary enrichment culture for a first period of time equal to eight hours or less; assessing the primary enrichment culture during the first period of time to detect whether the redox dye changes from a first state to a second state; if the second state is detected in the primary enrichment culture during the first period of time, mixing a portion of the primary enrichment culture with a secondary enrichment medium to form a secondary enrichment culture and incubating the secondary enrichment culture for a second period of time; and performing a test to detect the target bacterium using a portion of the second enrichment culture.