A NOVEL FLUOROCHROME FOR THE MICROSCOPIC OBSERVATION OF MICROBIAL MORPHOLOGY IN WET MOUNTS

A family of novel nontoxic fluorochromes, including thylaminostyryl)-N -butoxycarbonyl-methylpyridinium bromide and other dimethylaminostyryl pyridinium salts, has been used for the examination of microorganisms in the living state. Equipment required is similar to that for immunof luorescence, but the technique does not necessitate the utilization of specific antibodies. Procaryotic vegetative cells and endospores were readily visualized by their fluorescence with no observable quenching . Other bacteria observed included capsule-forming species, acid-fast mycobacteria, and spirochetes. In addition, the technique is also appl icable to the examination of eucaryotic microorganisms. The technique as described is simple and convenient, and serves as an alternate mean s for the microscopic study of viable microorganisms.