OpenStax Microbiology Test Bank Related

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A smear prepared from material obtained from patient with suspected diphtheria contains yellow bacilli with blue grains at their ends. What staining was used in this case?

  • A. Ziehl-Nielsen
  • B. Kozlovsky
  • C. Romanovsky
  • D. Loefler
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Loefler. This staining method is used for identifying Corynebacterium diphtheriae, the causative agent of diphtheria. It involves using methylene blue and basic fuchsin to stain the bacteria. The yellow bacilli with blue grains at their ends indicate the characteristic appearance of C. diphtheriae when stained using the Loefler method.

Choice A: Ziehl-Nielsen is used for acid-fast bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Choice B: Kozlovsky is not a standard staining method in microbiology.
Choice C: Romanovsky is used for blood smears to identify malaria parasites.