Bipolar Staining: An Early Clue to Diagnosis

Conventional bright field microscopy observations of bacteria produce comparatively little insightful data. This is as a result of the lack of contrast and tiny bacterial cell size. The application of stains that chemically react with cell components give contrast between the cell and the background and helps to observe the morphology and arrangement of bacteria.

One of the most frequently used Gram staining, which distinguishes between Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria offers crucial information for diagnosis, culture media selection, and first antimicrobial therapy. In a bipolar staining, the two opposing poles of the microorganism are the only parts of the bacterium that are colored, the rest is left uncolored or has a lighter hue.

Although it is not a precise observation, bipolar staining can be used as a screening test to begin treatment for some infectious diseases and to report preliminary result immediately to the treating physician so that proper empirical therapy can be initiated.

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