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.
Poppert
Sven
S
Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Strasse 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany. poppert@bni-hamburg.de
Nickel
Daniel
D
Berger
Anja
A
Yildiz
Tatjana
T
Kaestner
Nicole
N
Mauerer
Stefanie
S
Spellerberg
Barbara
B
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