Use of Ultraviolet Light and Fluorescent Dyes in Bacterial Counting

Abstract

Summary

1. The use of ultraviolet light and fluorescent dyes as an adjunct to the Petroff-Hausser bacterial counting chamber technique is reported.

2. This method has made bacterial counts more accurate because of clarity, ease, and rapidity.

3. Berberine Sulfate was the dye of preference although Auramine-O and Rhodamine-B were gauged equally as good.

4. Twelve strains of bacteria, one protozoa, and one fungi were used in testing this procedure.

5. All 14 organisms gave excellent fluorescent reaction to 3 dyes and 11 strains gave excellent results to a fourth dye.