Interpretation of gram-stained sputa containing Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis.
Sputum specimens culture positive for Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis were Gram stained with three decolorizer solutions (slow, 95% ethyl alcohol; intermediate, 1:1 ratio of 95% ethyl alcohol and acetone; and fast, acetone alone) for 5, 10, 20, and 30 s. Optimal results were obtained with acetone alone after 10 s or with a 1:1 mixture of acetone and ethanol after 20 s. Inadequate decolorization of M. catarrhalis in sputa is likely if the decolorization solution and exposure time are not optimal and may contribute to underreporting of this organism.
Department of Biological Sciences, Wichita State University, Kansas 67208.
S M
SM
Ainsworth
S B
SB
Nagy
L A
LA
Morgan
G R
GR
Miller
J L
JL
Perry
D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005840:Gentian Violet; D006801:Humans; D001936:Moraxella catarrhalis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D010619:Phenazines; D012996:Solutions; D013183:Sputum / Q000382:microbiology*; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods*
C035863:Gram's stain; D010619:Phenazines; D012996:Solutions; D005840:Gentian Violet