Comparison of selective staining of fungi in paraffin sections by light microscopy, SEM and BEI

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1981 · Scanning Electron Microsc.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5449514

Berman, E L; Laudate, A; Carter, H W

Paraffin-embedded sections from human tissues with fungi or organisms classified with fungi were studied by light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the backscatter electron imaging (BEI) mode of the SEM. The fungal organisms selected for study were those familiar to the pathologist on the basis of their appearance in paraffin-embedded material stained with the Gomori-Grocott Chromic Acid Methenamine Silver Stain (GMS). The organisms were Actinomyces, Rhizopus, Cryptococcus, Histoplasma capsulatum, and Coccidia imitis. Sections were stained with the GMS Stain and/or the Becker modification of the GMS Stain (BGMS) and examined in the secondary electron imaging mode (SEI) and BEI mode with an annular backscatter electron detector. This silver staining technique accentuated the wall of fungal organisms, in the backscatter mode. Depending on the fungal organism and type of silver stain employed, the GMS seemed the preferable stain. The advantages of SEM over LM were greater depth of focus and potential range of magnifications. BEI may also be used in conjunction with LM stain for microorganisms to establish their presence.

• Research Organization: Department of Pathology, Saint Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston, New Jersey
• OSTI ID: 5449514
• Journal Information: Scanning Electron Microsc.; (United States), Vol. Pt 2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
FUNGI
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
HISTOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES
OPTICAL MICROSCOPY
PARAFFIN
PATHOLOGY
SAMPLE PREPARATION
STRAINS
ALKANES
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
HYDROCARBONS
MICROSCOPY
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PLANTS
WAXES
550700* - Microbiology
550900 - Pathology