Rapid identification of beta-hemolytic streptococci by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).
Rapid identification of pathogenic, beta-hemolytic streptococci is important for treatment decisions. We evaluated fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for this purpose using 23 reference strains, 157 clinical isolates, and 80 blood cultures showing streptococci in the Gram stain. With a sensitivity and specificity in excess of 99%, FISH proved to be suitable for rapid identification of beta-hemolytic streptococci in a diagnostic laboratory.
Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Strasse 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany. poppert@bni-hamburg.de
Sven
S
Poppert
Daniel
D
Nickel
Anja
A
Berger
Tatjana
T
Yildiz
Nicole
N
Kaestner
Stefanie
S
Mauerer
Barbara
B
Spellerberg
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; C082525:beta protein, Streptococcus