Mycobacterium : General Characteristics, Laboratory Detection, and Staining Procedures

Serological survey for antibodies against Mycobacterium avium complexin hunting dogs in East-Central Portugal

“…The high number of positive animals among adults, males, and autochthonous hunting breeds could be associated with the higher preference for dogs with these characteristics by hunters and also by the widespread exposure to the etiological agent during hunting activities. Although the dogs surveyed did not present symptoms of MAC infection, some clinical signs such as anorexia, fever, diarrhea, lymphadenopathy, or lameness have been described depending on the dissemination degree and/or organ involvement (4,5,17,18). Previous studies also indicated that breeds such as miniature schnauzers and basset hounds are more predisposed to mycobacterial infection (5,10,17,19), although no differences were observed among Portuguese hunting breeds and crossbreeds.…”

The Follow-up of 360 Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis After 2 Months Treatment With Anti-tubercular Agents in Iran

“…Ziehl-Neelsen smears were prepared with 0.32% carbolfuchsin, heated gently for 5 minutes until steam rose, washed with tap water, flooded with 3% hydrochloric acid-alcohol for 1 minute, and washed and flooded with 1% methylene blue for 1 minute. Slides were examined by a single technologist using a 100X oil immersion objective, screening at least 100 fields, with positive and negative control slides examined twice per week (8). Smear microscopy was performed by a person trained in Sanabad health center.…”

Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics for Mycobacterium tuberculosis

“…Care must be taken to protect Middlebrook medium from excessive light and heat which results in breakdown of the medium and release of a formaldehyde byproduct which is toxic to Mtb (Miliner et al, 1969). Use of Middlebrook 7H11 medium containing casein is reported to improve the recovery of isoniazid-resistant isolates of Mtb (Pfyffer & Palicova, 2011). Broth medium such as Middlebrook 7H9 medium is reported to provide a more rapid recovery of Mtb compared with solid medium.…”

“…At least 300 fields should be examined under high power (1000X) when using a carbol-fuchsin stain and light microcopy. The fluorochrome stain can be examined using a lower power (250X) and a minimum of 30 fields should be examined under the lower power (Pfyffer & Palicova, 2011). When positive, an indication of the quantity of acid-fast bacilli present should be provided.…”