In-situ hybridization probes for the detection of microsporidial species

Abstract

The present invention provides in situ hybridization probes which include a marker and a nucleic acid molecule able to hybridize exclusively with only one species of Encephalitozoon. The nucleic acid molecule may be, for example, complimentary to segment 878-896 of 16S rRNA of Encephalitozoon hellem spores. Specifically disclosed probes are those including the following nucleotides: (1) 5′-ACT CTC ACA CTC ACT TCA G-3′ (Seq. I.D. No. 1) which is species specific for Encephalitozoon hellem, (2) 5′-CAG ACC ACT ATC TGC A-3′ (Seq. I.D. No. 2) which is species specific for Encephalitozoon cuniculi and (3) 5′-GTT CTC CTG CCC GCT TCA G-3′ (Seq. I.D. No. 3) which is species specific for Encephalitozoon intestinalis. The assay of the present invention utilizes a sample such as surface, ground or drinking water, suspected of containing one of the aforementioned species as a target organism. The microorganisms contained in the sample are fixed in a conventional manner and the probe is then introduced wherein it specifically binds with the target microorganism, if present. The sample is then washed to remove the unbound probe and the bound probe is detected in a conventional manner appropriate for the marker molecule of the probe.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.