Immunoperoxidase Labeling of Streptococcus Mutans for Scanning Electron Microscopy

Abstract

The application of an immunoperoxidase method to labeling of Streptococcus mutans subsp. sobrinus for scanning electron microscopy is described. Bacteria from four separate cultures were fixed in 2.5% buffered glutaraldehyde solution. The specimens were treated in accordance with an indirect immunolabeling procedure using a rabbit anti-S. mutans subsp. sobrinus γ-globulin. Labeled bacteria were equipped with a layer of small, distinct globules of horseradish peroxidase reaction product. Bacteria exposed to control incubations were not equipped with this layer.