Patent ID: 9714943
Date: 2017-07-25
CPC Classifications: G01N

Claim:
1. A method for detecting a target bacterial cell in a population of cells, wherein the method comprises: a) obtaining a sample of cells from the population of cells; b) fixing the cells in a methacarn solution that will allow for antibody binding to one or more antigens on the surface of the cells after hybridization processing steps, wherein the methacarn solution comprises chloroform and wherein the cells are fixed in the methacarn solution for about 10 minutes; c) dehydrating the fixed cells; d) contacting the fixed cells with a fluorescently labeled oligonucleotide probe that hybridizes specifically with ribosomal RNA (rRNA) of the target bacterial cell under suitable hybridization conditions; e) contacting the cells after step d) with antibody immobilized on the surface of a bead, wherein the antibody binds to one or more antigens on the surface of the target bacterial cell and isolating the beads having target bacterial cells bound to the surface of the bead; and f) detecting the fluorescently labeled oligonucleotide probe hybridized to rRNA of the target bacterial cell to thereby detect the target bacterial cell.