| abstract |
This invention is related to novel PNA probes, probe sets, methods and kits pertaining to the universal detection of bacteria and/or eucarya. Preferred universal probes for the detection of bacteria comprise a probing nucleobase sequence selected from the group consisting of CTG-CCT-CCC-GTA-GGA; TAC-CAG-GGT-ATC-TAA-T; CAC-GAG-CTG-ACG-ACA and CCG-ACA-AGG-AAT-TTC. Preferred universal probes for the detection of eucarya comprise a probing nucleobase sequence selected from the group consisting of ACC-AGA-CTT-GCC-CTC-C; GGG-CAT-CAC-AGA-CCT-G; TAG-AAA-GGG-CAG-GGA and TAC-AAA-GGG-CAG-GGA. The PNA probes, probe sets, methods and kits of this invention are particularly well suited for use in multiplex PNA-FISH assays wherein the bacteria and/or eucarya in a sample can be individually detected, identified or quantitated. Using exemplary assays described herein, the total number of colony forming units (CFU) of bacteria and/or eucarya can be rapidly determined. |