Acid Fast Flashcards
What is meant by ‘acid-fast’?
Acid-fast refers to the ability of certain bacteria to resist decolorization by acids during staining procedures.
Which bacterium is primarily known for being acid-fast?
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is primarily known for being acid-fast.
True or False: All bacteria are acid-fast.
False.
What staining technique is commonly used to identify acid-fast bacteria?
The Ziehl-Neelsen stain is commonly used to identify acid-fast bacteria.
Fill in the blank: Acid-fast organisms retain the _____ dye after exposure to acid-alcohol.
carbol fuchsin
What is the primary component of the cell wall that contributes to the acid-fast property?
Mycolic acid.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT an acid-fast bacterium? A) Mycobacterium leprae B) Escherichia coli C) Mycobacterium tuberculosis D) Nocardia species
B) Escherichia coli
What disease is primarily associated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis.
True or False: Acid-fast bacteria can be easily stained with standard Gram staining techniques.
False.
What is a common clinical specimen used to test for acid-fast bacteria?
Sputum.
Fill in the blank: The presence of acid-fast bacilli in a sample indicates a potential _____ infection.
tuberculous
Which type of microscopy is often used to visualize acid-fast bacteria?
Fluorescence microscopy.
What is the significance of the acid-fast property in clinical microbiology?
It aids in the diagnosis of tuberculosis and other mycobacterial infections.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following diseases is NOT caused by an acid-fast bacillus? A) Tuberculosis B) Leprosy C) Cholera D) Buruli ulcer
C) Cholera
What is the role of the lipid-rich cell wall in acid-fast bacteria?
It provides resistance to desiccation and chemical agents.
True or False: Acid-fast bacteria can be killed by standard disinfection methods.
False.
What is the primary method of transmission for Mycobacterium tuberculosis?
Airborne transmission.
Fill in the blank: The acid-fast stain is particularly useful for identifying _____ infections.
mycobacterial
What is the primary treatment for infections caused by acid-fast bacteria?
Antimicrobial therapy, often with multiple antibiotics.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following antibiotics is commonly used to treat tuberculosis? A) Penicillin B) Isoniazid C) Tetracycline D) Vancomycin
B) Isoniazid
What is the purpose of using heat during the Ziehl-Neelsen staining process?
To facilitate the penetration of the dye into the waxy cell wall.
True or False: Mycobacterium leprae is the causative agent of leprosy.
True.
What is the characteristic appearance of acid-fast bacteria when stained and viewed under a microscope?
They appear as bright red or pink rods against a blue background.
Fill in the blank: The acid-fast property is due to the presence of _____ in the bacterial cell wall.
mycolic acids
What is the importance of identifying acid-fast organisms in clinical settings?
It is crucial for the timely diagnosis and treatment of serious infections like tuberculosis.
