Interexaminer variability in common ratings in reading Streptococcus mutans dip-slides with or without a microscope.

The observer variability in reading 145 S. mutans dip-slides was assessed by a test panel consisting of a professional bacteriologist, practising dentists and unskilled laymen. The cultivated slides were read and classified into four categories by comparing them with standard photographs of previously cultivated slides with known numbers of S.

Rapid immunoassay for detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts.

A direct immunological method by means of latex agglutination (LX) reaction was applied to the demonstration of Cryptosporidium oocysts from stools and gut homogenates. The LX method gave a positive diagnosis for all the specimens judged positive by the modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique, which served as a reference method, The results of the study indicate that the LX method can be adopted as a diagnostic tool for cryptosporidiosis, but further study concerning the specificity and sensitivity of the method is clearly warranted.