| abstract |
The invention provides a method for determining whether a sample contains a target microbial agent comprising contacting the sample with an αvβ6 integrin under conditions that allow the target microbial agent, if present in the sample, to bind to the integrin; and determining whether the integrin has any target microbial agent bound thereto. The invention also provides a method for determining whether a sample contains antibodies to a target microbial agent. Preferably, the target microbial agent is foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). Further aspects of the invention comprise kits, polypeptides, polynucleotides, vectors and hosts cells for use in the methods of the invention. |