a-microbiologist-wants-to-determine-whether-a-bacterial-sample-contains-mycobact

Question

A microbiologist wants to determine whether a bacterial sample contains mycobacteria. Which staining method should they use and why?

Accepted Answer

They should use the acid-fast stain because it differentiates bacteria with mycolic acid in their cell walls.

Answer

They should use a simple stain to quickly visualize all bacteria in the sample.

Answer

They should use the Gram stain because it identifies the presence of lipopolysaccharides.

Answer

They should use a capsule stain to highlight the protective layers around mycobacteria.