[Status and developmental trends in the use of fluorescence microscopy studies in microbiology]

There are many applications for fluorescence microscopy in the field of microbiology for diagnostic and scientific purposes. Autofluorescence as well as secondary fluorescence induced by staining of specimen with fluorochromes or with fluorochrome labeled antibodies are used for detection and differentiation of microorganisms. Small demands for object preparation and short test times are advantages for screening tests. During the last time considerable progresses in methods and technical equipments are noticeable and offer numerous new applications for fluorescence microscopy. New microscopes show clearly increased intensity of excitation. This requires a selection of object slides and cover glasses with lowest autofluorescence, blocking of fading by addition of PPD to embedding medium and a better adaptation of filters for excitation and fluorescence to the characteristics of fluorochromes. Multiple fluorochroming and combined application of fluorescence and alternative contrast techniques such as phase contrast are of rising importance in practice.