Fluorescent antibody-based detection and ultrastructural analysis of Streptococcus pneumoniae in human sputum.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pneumococcal pneumonia continues to be a significant global health burden, affecting both children and adults. Traditional diagnostic methods for sputum analysis remain challenging. The objective of this study was twofold: to develop a rapid and easy-to-perform assay for the identification of Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) directly in sputum specimens using fluorescence microscopy, and to characterize with high-resolution confocal microscopy the ultrastructure of pneumococci residing in human sputum.

Methods

We fluorescently labeled antibodies against the pneumococcal capsule (Spn-FLUO). The specificity and sensitivity of Spn-FLUO for detecting Spn was evaluated in vitro and in vivo using mouse models of carriage and disease, human nasopharyngeal specimens, and sp

SUBMITTER: Vidal AGJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11881295 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature