A novel fluorescent in situ hybridization technique for detection of Rickettsia spp. in archival samples

A novel, sensitive and specific method for detecting Rickettsia spp. in archival samples is described. The method involves the use of fluorescently marked oligonucleotide probes for in situ hybridization. Specific hybridization of Rickettsia was found without problems of cross-reactions with bacterial species shown to cross-react serologically.