Fluorescence and viability of Proteus mirabilis stained directly with fluorescein isothiocyanate.

Grunberg, E. (Hoffman-La Roche, Inc., Nutley, N.J.), and R. Cleeland. Fluorescence and viability of Proteus mirabilis stained directly with fluorescein isothiocyanate. J. Bacteriol. 92:23-27. 1966.-Washed cell suspensions of Proteus mirabilis, under the proper conditions, stained well with fluorescein isothiocyanate with little or no loss of cell viability. The speed and intensity of the reaction was dependent on both the concentration of dye and pH. Within a range of pH 3.0 to 10.0, staining was most rapid at pH 5.0 to 6.0, with a slower and less intense reaction occurring at the other pH values. As the concentration of dye at either pH 5.0 or 9.0 was increased from 10 to 1,000 mug/ml, there was an increase in the rate of staining but a decrease in cell viability. After 24 hr of incubation at 4 C, pH 5.0, and a dye concentration of 10 mug/ml, all cells were stained, the majority exhibiting intense fluorescence with little or no loss of viability noted. In preliminary experiments with Staphylococcus aureus, similar results were obtained. Of various other fluorescent dyes tested, only rhodamine isothiocyanate was found to give satisfactory staining.