microbiology chapter 13 test bank Related

Review microbiology chapter 13 test bank related questions and content

A child is ill with diphtheria. A smear of the affected mucous membrane revealed blue rods with thickenings at the poles. What staining method was used?

  • A. Neisser
  • B. Gram
  • C. Ziehl-Neelsen
  • D. Loeffler
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neisser staining method. Neisser staining method is used to stain diphtheria bacilli, which appear as blue rods with thickenings at the poles. The rationale is that Neisser staining specifically targets and highlights the characteristics of the diphtheria bacilli.

Incorrect choices:
B: Gram staining is not specific for diphtheria bacilli and does not show the characteristic blue rods with thickenings at the poles.
C: Ziehl-Neelsen staining is used for acid-fast bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, not for diphtheria bacilli.
D: Loeffler staining is used for diphtheria bacilli but does not produce blue rods with thickenings at the poles as seen in this case.