ID#: 14600
Caption:
Under a magnification of 1000X, this photomicrograph of a Ziehl-Neelsen-stained mycobacterial culture smear specimen, reveals some of the ultrastructural morphology displayed by acid-fast bacilli, most notably, the cross-banding pattern. In this case, the cross-banding pattern is perpendicular to the long axis of the bacilli. This patterning when employing the Ziehl-Neelsen staining method is one way of beginning the mycobacterial identification process microscopically, prior to further investigation, which may involve genetic sequencing, or selective growth inhibition (NAP test). Though in this case the species observed was unknown, Mycobacterium kansasii, more often than not, displays this cross-banding pattern when stained using this Ziehl-Neelsen method.
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Content Provider(s): CDC/ Ronald W. Smithwick
Creation Date: 1975
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Copyright Restrictions: None - This image is in the public domain and thus free of any copyright restrictions.