MORPHOLOGY OF THE MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS - A STUDY OF ARTIFACTS PRODUCED IN SMEARS

Abstract

The authors emphasize the elimination of artifacts by proper staining and avoiding artifacts produced by trauma. The rapidly growing organisms are seen to be soKdly stained, . while in older cultures, or under conditions less than optimal for growth, the bacilli become elongated and show granules in their cytoplasm. These granules are said to represent genuine variations in the distribution within the organism of the material having tinctorial properties. The authors illustrate non-acid forms ''caused by traumatic action of the platinum loop.'' The authors give much attention to beaded forms, considered to be artifacts, seen more often with acetate- than hydrochloride-fuchsins, and believe that the fine granules described by Much and demonstrated by Gram stains are similar and belong in the same category as the "beads." The various forms are well illustrated, although the data are rather few.