THE STAINING METHOD FOR SPIROCHETES IN SECTION.

Abstract

The difficulty which has been experienced in obtaining constant results in staining section in which spirochetes were suspected by impregnation with silver has led us to search for another method which gives more rapid, clearer and more constant results. In our first paper we stated that we were able to stain spirochetes with iron hematoxylin (Weigert). In following this method by counterstaining with Van Gieson's stain we found that the spirochetes were stained with the acid fuchsin a bright red, but the picture was not very sharp. This led us to try the picric acid and acid fuchsin alone. This gave very beautiful and absolutely sharp results. The staining with acid fuchsin alone gave no results. It was necessary always to use picric acid as a mordant. The method is as follows: Harden in alcohol or formalin; the length of time is unimportant. Embed in paraffin and cut in usual