Localization of Legionella pneumophila in tissue using FITC-conjugated specific antibody and a background stain

Lightly staining formalin-fixed or fresh tissue with Gram's crystal violet obviates interfering nonspecific fluorescence by acting as a metachromatic stain in ultraviolet light. Against the easily recognized background of tissues and cells fluorescein isothiocyanate-tagged Legionella pneumophila antibodies can then identify this bacterium in or on individual cells. This procedure can be run at room temperature in two hours and has the potential for further widespread applicability.