Stain employed for mycoplasma is: September 2011
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the ability to recognize a specific stain used for the identification of mycoplasma, a type of bacteria that lacks a cell wall. This requires knowledge of the characteristics of mycoplasma and the stains used to identify them.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Mycoplasma is a type of bacteria that lacks a cell wall, which makes it difficult to stain using traditional Gram staining methods. However, mycoplasma can be stained using a specific stain called **Stain 348 (also known as Stain 348 or H. E. Stain)**. This stain is a modified version of the H and E stain, which is commonly used to stain tissue sections. The stain works by highlighting the capsular material of the mycoplasma, allowing for its identification under a microscope.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because it is not a specific stain used for mycoplasma. Some stains, such as Giemsa stain, are used for staining other types of bacteria or parasites.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because it is not a specific stain used for mycoplasma. Some stains, such as Wright's stain, are used for staining blood cells or other types of cells.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect because it is not a specific stain used for mycoplasma. Some stains, such as Gram stain, are used for staining bacteria that have a cell wall.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Mycoplasma is a type of bacteria that lacks a cell wall, making it susceptible to beta-lactam antibiotics, which target cell wall synthesis. This is a key difference between mycoplasma and other types of bacteria.
**Correct Answer:** . **Stain 348**