Question

Special Stain for cryptococcus :

• A. ZN stain
• B. Gram stain
• C. Mucicarmine stain
• D. Malachite green

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To identify Cryptococcus in microbiological samples, a specific staining technique is used. Let's evaluate the provided options:

• ZN stain: Also known as Ziehl-Neelsen stain, is commonly used for acid-fast bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, not Cryptococcus.
• Gram stain: While this can stain Cryptococcus, it is not specific for this microorganism as it is more generalized for differentiating bacteria.
• Mucicarmine stain: Specifically binds to the polysaccharide capsule of Cryptococcus, providing a clear identification due to their characteristic red color against a blue background.
• Malachite green: Typically used for spore staining in bacteria, not for Cryptococcus.

Given these evaluations, the correct staining method specifically utilized for identifying Cryptococcus is the Mucicarmine stain.