[Effects of different fixatives for Trichomonas vaginalis in indirect fluorescent antibody test]

This paper dealt with the effects of different fixatives for Trichomonas vaginalis in indirect fluorescent antibody test. T. vaginalis fixed by formalin, methanol or alcohol displayed clear flagella. The parasites fixed by methanol and alcohol showed specific ring-like fluorescence with 1-2 bright dots. Antigen slides prepared from different Trichomonas strains, different number of parasites and anti-Trichomonas vaginalis McAb strains in IFA presented different results. Antigen slides showed the best results when using parasites at concentrations of 1.2 x 10(6) cells/ml or 2.4 x 10(5) cells/ml. Antigen preparations stored at 4 degrees C or -20 degrees C remained reactive throughout the experimental period of three months.