Question:medium
Which is the special stain used for Cryptococcus?
Which is the special stain used for Cryptococcus?
Show Hint
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
Show Solution
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Identifying Cryptococcus in tissue relies on demonstrating its carbohydrate-rich capsule and wall.
Step 2: Among special histological stains, mucicarmine binds the polysaccharide of the cryptococcal cell wall and colours it red, giving specific recognition of C. neoformans.
Step 3: The stain is selective because it reacts only with organisms whose wall contains a polysaccharide component, a feature prominent in cryptococcus.
Step 4: Acid-fast (ZN), Gram and spore (malachite green) stains target different structures and are not specific for cryptococcus.
\[\boxed{\text{Mucicarmine stain}}\]
Step 2: Among special histological stains, mucicarmine binds the polysaccharide of the cryptococcal cell wall and colours it red, giving specific recognition of C. neoformans.
Step 3: The stain is selective because it reacts only with organisms whose wall contains a polysaccharide component, a feature prominent in cryptococcus.
Step 4: Acid-fast (ZN), Gram and spore (malachite green) stains target different structures and are not specific for cryptococcus.
\[\boxed{\text{Mucicarmine stain}}\]
Was this answer helpful?
0
