Legionella pneumophila: identification in tissue sections by a new immunoenzymatic procedure
Suffin, S.C.; Kaufmann, A.F.; Whitaker, B.; Muck, K.B.; Prince, G.A.; Porter, D.D.
Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine 104(6): 283-286
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9985 PMID: 6155111 Document Number: 157698
A modified glucose oxidase immunoenzyme technique was shown to be highly sensitive and specific for detection of serogroup 1 Legionella pneumophila in 4% formaldehyde solution-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections. There was complete concordance between infection with L pneumophila and detection of the organisms in tissue sections by glucose oxidase immunoenzyme staining. The L pneumophila organisms stained blue-black and were found within phagocytic cells as well as in the extracellular space. A cloud of blue-black pigment, probably representing diffusable antigen, was present in the extracellular spaces in the area of L pneumophila localization. No false-positive or false-negative reactions were found. This technique requires no specialized equipment, may be applicable to retrospective diagnostic problems, and can be adapted to routine diagnostic practice.