A simple method of separation of Pneumocystis carinii from rat lung.

Existing methods for purification of Pneumocystis carinii are unsatisfactory. Dialysis is a simple, non-stressful treatment which aided purification of organisms from rat cells. Yields were quantitated using a Petroff-Hausser chamber and nuclear staining. Following dialysis overnight, three times the yields of similar, undialysed preparations were obtained, with less than 0.2% contamination by lung cells. Overnight incubation at 4 degrees C also improved separation, but yields were only half those following dialysis. Dialysis is now used routinely in the preparation of pure Pneumocystis carinii suspensions.