What stain is used to identify TB?

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Multiple Choice

What stain is used to identify TB?

Explanation:
TB identification relies on staining acid-fast bacilli, because Mycobacterium tuberculosis has a waxy cell wall that resists decolorization and retains dye. The Ziehl-Neelsen stain is the classic method used to visualize these organisms. It applies a hot carbol fuchsin stain, then uses acid-alcohol to decolorize non–acid-fast cells, and a counterstain to provide contrast. The acid-fast bacilli stay bright red, standing out against the blue background. Gram staining isn’t reliable for TB due to the waxy wall, and H&E is a general tissue stain not designed to identify bacteria. So, the Ziehl-Neelsen stain is the best answer because it specifically reveals acid-fast TB bacilli.

TB identification relies on staining acid-fast bacilli, because Mycobacterium tuberculosis has a waxy cell wall that resists decolorization and retains dye. The Ziehl-Neelsen stain is the classic method used to visualize these organisms. It applies a hot carbol fuchsin stain, then uses acid-alcohol to decolorize non–acid-fast cells, and a counterstain to provide contrast. The acid-fast bacilli stay bright red, standing out against the blue background. Gram staining isn’t reliable for TB due to the waxy wall, and H&E is a general tissue stain not designed to identify bacteria. So, the Ziehl-Neelsen stain is the best answer because it specifically reveals acid-fast TB bacilli.

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