[Demonstration of bacteria and fungi in tissues by topo-optic aldehyde bisulfite toluidine blue (ABT) reaction].

Reaction with aldehyd-bisulfit-toluidinblue (ABT)--as a selective topo-optical reaction for vicinal OH-and amino-OH groups, appears to be suitable for demonstration of bacteria in tissues. Cell membranes and capsules of bacteria and fungi contain large quantity of carbo-hydrates, therefore they show strong basophilic staining after ABT reaction. Double refringement brought about by orientated dye-binding seems to be the sign of the linear arrangement of polysaccharides composing cell membranes and capsules of bacteria. Practical importance of the reaction is shown on examples. Diagnostic advantages of it are also discussed.