Importance

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Abstract

A method for specifically and sensitively detecting, identifying, and quantitating any non-viral organism, category or group of organisms containing ribosomal RNA in a sample is disclosed. The nucleic acids of the organisms present in the sample are brought together with a marked probe comprising nucleic acid molecules which are complementary only to ribosomal RNA subsequences known to be conserved in an organism, category or group or organisms. The probe and sample nucleic acid mixture is incubated under nucleic acid hybridization conditions and then assayed to determine the degree of hybridization that has occurred. Hybridization indicates the presence and identity of the organism, category or group or organisms in the sample. The quantity of ribosomal RNA present in the sample can be determined and compared to that normally present in the known organisms to determine the number of organisms present. Batteries of sequentially more specific probes can also be utilized.

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First Claim