How are Pathogens Identified in Histological Samples?
Identifying pathogens in histological samples requires a combination of techniques. The primary method is staining, which enhances the visibility of specific structures within the tissue. Common staining techniques include:
Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E): This is the most widely used stain in histology. Hematoxylin stains cell nuclei blue, while eosin stains the cytoplasm and extracellular matrix pink. Gram Stain: This stain differentiates between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria based on the composition of their cell walls. Ziehl-Neelsen Stain: Used primarily to identify acid-fast bacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS): Useful for identifying fungi and certain types of bacteria by staining polysaccharides in their cell walls.
