Differential staining of buccal epithelial smearsas an indicator of poor nutritional status due to protein-calorie deficiency

Abstract

Three staining techniques, with Shorr's stain, the “Falg” stain, and a mixture ofChromotrope 2R and Luxol fast yellow XL, respectively, have been used in the differential staining of buccal mucosal smears. Distinctive colors are produced, which differentiate between noncornified and cornified cells. Counts made of the noncornified cells in young experimental animals, fed at varying protein-calorie levels, indicate an association between such counts and the level of protein-calorie intake. Similar results are observed in infants and young children. These techniques have proved useful as a rough screening method in nutritional surveys carried out in Southern Africa and in the Federation of Southern Arabia. Three staining techniques, with Shorr's stain, the “Falg” stain, and a mixture ofChromotrope 2R and Luxol fast yellow XL, respectively, have been used in the differential staining of buccal mucosal smears. Distinctive colors are produced, which differentiate between noncornified and cornified cells. Counts made of the noncornified cells in young experimental animals, fed at varying protein-calorie levels, indicate an association between such counts and the level of protein-calorie intake. Similar results are observed in infants and young children. These techniques have proved useful as a rough screening method in nutritional surveys carried out in Southern Africa and in the Federation of Southern Arabia.