Abstract: This invention describes a method for identifying bacteria. In particular, this invention relates to a method for identifying and quantifying mycobacteria from a sputum sample taken from a subject using flow cytometry. Further described is the use of flow cytometry to identify and quantify Mycobacterium tuberculosis from sputum-derived samples. Once identified and quantified, the samples are spotted onto filter cards for use in verification of an existing method of diagnosis, calibration of an existing method of diagnosis and/or the establishment of an external quality control system for use in conjunction with these methods of diagnosis. In one embodiment the method is used to diagnose tuberculosis (TB).

Abstract: This invention describes a method for identifying bacteria. In particular, this invention relates to a method for identifying and quantifying mycobacteria from a sputum sample taken from a subject using flow cytometry. Further described is the use of flow cytometry to identify and quantify Mycobacterium tuberculosis from sputum-derived samples. Once identified and quantified, the samples are spotted onto filter cards for use in verification of an existing method of diagnosis, calibration of an existing method of diagnosis and/or the establishment of an external quality control system for use in conjunction with these methods of diagnosis. In one embodiment the method is used to diagnose tuberculosis (TB).

Abstract: The invention provides an assay for diagnosing and/or monitoring a viral infection or disease in a patient, the assay including the steps of mixing a sample of leucocytes with a fluorescent cell membrane-permeable dye which stains RNA or both DNA and RNA within the leucocytes; identifying from all the leucocytes at least two of the three major sub-populations of leucoytes selected from the group consisting of monocytes, granulocytes and lymphocytes; determining the fluorescence intensity for each of the identified sub-populations; and comparing the fluorescence intensity of at least two cell sub-populations to each other to obtain at least one of the following ratios: monocytes:granulocytes, monocytes:lymphocytes, and granulocytes lymphocytes. The viral infection may be HIV and the disease may be AIDS. The invention also provides a method of monitoring the cellular viral, parasitic or bacterial reservoir of a patient with a viral or bacterial infection by the steps described above.