What Staining Techniques are Used to Identify Microorganisms?

Several staining techniques are essential for identifying microorganisms in histological samples:

1. Gram Stain: Differentiates bacteria into Gram-positive and Gram-negative based on cell wall properties.
2. Acid-Fast Stain: Used for detecting Mycobacterium species, such as the bacteria causing tuberculosis.
3. Silver Stains: Like Gomori methenamine silver stain, used for fungi and certain bacteria.
4. Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) Stain: Highlights fungal elements and some bacteria by staining polysaccharides.
5. Giemsa Stain: Commonly used for blood parasites like Plasmodium (malaria).