| abstract |
The invention provides aqueous phase in situ hybridization processes using labeled nucleic acid probes by which single cell microorganisms can be identified and quantified. In a first process step, microorganisms are fixed and their cell walls permeabilized for passage therethrough of oligonucleotides yet cell morphology is not changed. Thereafter, the cells are subjected to hybridization conditions followed by detection of the probe labels. Bacteria and yeasts are presently preferred starting cells. The product hybridized cells are new and are useful as diagnostic agents. |