• All IHC stains will include a positive control tissue

• The primary use for this antibody is in the detection of mycobacterial antigens in tissues and smears; this technique is not, however, specific for different species of mycobacteria
• A major benefit of this immunohistochemical technique as opposed to the Fite stain is that intact organisms need not be present; fragmented organisms, mycobacterial debris and organisms whose antigenicity may have been altered by antimycobacterial therapy will also be detected
• Minimal cross-reactivity has been reported (see "Staining Pattern" above).

Submit a formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded tissue block

Formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue block

FFPE tissue section mounted on a charged, unstained slide

Ambient (preferred)

• Unlabeled/mislabeled block
• Insufficient tissue
• Slides broken beyond repair

Immunohistochemical staining and microscopic examination

If requested, an interpretive report will be provided

Specifications

• Reacts with approximately 100 different BCG antigens, many of which are common to mycobacteria other than M. bovis
• A few of these antigens are common to bacteria from families other than Mycobacterium (see below)

Staining pattern

• In contrast to the Fite stain, this antibody stains not only entire, intact organisms but also mycobacterial fragments and debris
• Because this antibody stains debris and fragmented organisms, staining can be identified in necrotic, caseous areas (unlike the Fite stain)
• Staining has been identified in typical caseating granulomas as well as in atypical granulomatous lesions
• Cross-reactivity with Corynebacterium spp., Nocardia spp., Rhodococcus spp., sporotrichosis and fungal organisms has been reported. However, these organisms may be distinguishable morphologically

References

1. Hove MGM, Smith MB, et al. Detection of mycobacteria with use of immunohistochemistry in granulomatous lesions staining negative with routine acid-fast stains. Appl Immunohistochem 6(3): 169-72, 1998.
2. Carabias E, Palenque E, et al. Evaluation of an immunohistochemical test with polyclonal antibodies raised against mycobacteria used in formal-fixed tissue compared with mycobacterial specific culture. APMIS 106: 385-8, 1998.
3. Data sheet: DAKO.