Protein recognition by L-IFA. Proteins in live L. interrogans isolates were recognized by antibodies against MPL17, MPL21, LipL32 (a surface-exposed lipoprotein), and GroEL (a protoplasmic cylinder marker) under a confocal microscope. The leptospires were identified by using the DNA counterstain propidium iodide. Panels 1 to 3, propidium iodide-stained, FITC-stained, and composite images, respectively.