What are the Advantages of In Situ Hybridization in Epidemiology?
ISH offers several benefits in epidemiological studies:
Specificity: The technique allows for the precise detection of specific nucleic acid sequences, enabling accurate identification of pathogens. Localization: It provides detailed information about the spatial distribution of pathogens within tissues, helping to understand their tissue tropism and interaction with host cells. Quantification: ISH can be used to quantify the amount of target nucleic acid present in the sample, which is valuable for assessing pathogen load and disease severity. Versatility: The method can be applied to a wide range of sample types, including formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues, making it suitable for retrospective studies.