Improved detection of mycobacteria species in formalin-fixed tissue sections

Pedersen J S, Clarke I & Mills J
(2011) Histopathology  59 ,993–1005
Improved detection of mycobacteria species in formalin‐fixed tissue sections Aims: To develop an antibody broadly reactive against mycobacterial species, which will improve detection of mycobacteria in tissue sections by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Methods: A sheep antisera was developed by immunization with multiple mycobacteria, and was tested by IHC against a range of mycobacteria in tissues from many species, as well as negative tissue controls and other bacteria. Results: The sheep antiserum, MAS‐01, reacted with all 18 mycobacterial species tested, but did not react with uninfected inflammatory tissues. Although MAS‐01 cross‐reacted with two microbial genera which are related to mycobacteria (Corynebacteria and Proprionibacteria), it did not with Nocardia or Actinomyces. The antibody was more sensitive than the Ziehl–Neelsen stain for detection of tissue mycobacteria, and shortened the time required to identify these infections. Conclusion: The MAS‐01 antiserum will facilitate rapid identification of tissue mycobacterial infection by histopathologists.