Question:
Which is the special stain used for Cryptococcus?
Which is the special stain used for Cryptococcus?
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The stain that colours the polysaccharide capsule wall red identifies this yeast.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
- ZN stain
- Gram stain
- Mucicarmine stain
- Malachite green
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Cryptococcus neoformans has a thick polysaccharide capsule and cell wall, and a special stain is needed to highlight this polysaccharide component.
Step 2: Mucicarmine stain specifically stains the polysaccharide cell wall of C. neoformans red, so it is the special stain for cryptococcus in tissue sections.
Step 3: Mucicarmine works only on microorganisms whose cell wall is composed at least in part of a polysaccharide, which is why it is selective for cryptococcus.
Step 4: ZN stain is for acid-fast bacilli, Gram stain is a general bacterial stain, and malachite green is used for spores, so the correct special stain is mucicarmine.
Step 2: Mucicarmine stain specifically stains the polysaccharide cell wall of C. neoformans red, so it is the special stain for cryptococcus in tissue sections.
Step 3: Mucicarmine works only on microorganisms whose cell wall is composed at least in part of a polysaccharide, which is why it is selective for cryptococcus.
Step 4: ZN stain is for acid-fast bacilli, Gram stain is a general bacterial stain, and malachite green is used for spores, so the correct special stain is mucicarmine.
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