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Fluorescence Microscopy Methods for Determining the Viability of Bacteria in Association with Mammalian Cells
Published on: September 5, 2013
Modified Field stain - rapid viability test for Trichomonas vaginalis
M Y Afzan1, S Sivanandam, K Suresh
1Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Journal of Applied Microbiology
|November 2, 2011
Summary
Modified Field Stain (MF) offers a rapid and reliable method for assessing Trichomonas vaginalis viability, outperforming Trypan Blue by preserving cellular morphology. This diagnostic tool provides same-day results for researchers and technologists.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Microbiology
- Diagnostic Stains
Background:
- Modified Field (MF) stain was previously identified as a rapid diagnostic stain.
- This study investigates MF stain's utility as an alternative method for assessing cell viability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate Modified Field stain as a rapid viability test for Trichomonas vaginalis.
- To compare MF stain with the Trypan Blue dye exclusion test under various conditions.
Main Methods:
- Six isolates of Trichomonas vaginalis were used.
- MF stain and Trypan Blue dye exclusion tests were performed on cultures under normal conditions, lysed in distilled water, and treated with metronidazole.
Main Results:
- MF stain demonstrated a similar growth profile pattern to Trypan Blue for identifying viable T. vaginalis.
- Both assays showed a high correlation factor (>0.9) on day 3 for assessing parasite viability across conditions.
- MF stain revealed internal morphological changes during viability transitions, unlike Trypan Blue.
Conclusions:
- MF staining provides a reliable and rapid viability assay for T. vaginalis, preserving morphological details.
- MF stain enhances morphological identification compared to Trypan Blue dye exclusion.
- This method allows for same-day differentiation of viable and non-viable T. vaginalis.
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