Gram coloration, or simply Gram, is a simple and fast technique that aims to differentiate bacteria according to the characteristics of your cell wall after exposure to different dyes and solutions.
Thus, thanks to the coloration of the gram, it is possible to check, in addition to the shape of the bacteria, the color they acquire, and this result is important to define other strategies for identifying bacterial species and for the doctor to indicate preventive treatment according to the characteristics observed under the microscope.
- Gram coloration is usually performed routinely in the laboratory and is part of the bacterioscopic examination.
- Understand what bacteriosis is and how it’s done.
Gram coloring is a fast, convenient and inexpensive method for identifying the bacteria responsible for infections, being useful for doctors to indicate preventive treatment of the infection that may occur, as the specific characteristics of these groups of bacteria are known.
Gram is colored in 7 main steps, however, the protocol may vary by lab:
As soon as the leaf is dry, it is possible to deposit a drop of immersion oil and observe the leaf under a microscope with a 100x lens, to check for the presence or absence of bacteria, as well as the presence of yeasts and epithelial cells. .
The main goal of Gram coloration is to differentiate bacteria according to cell wall characteristics and general morphology. Thus, depending on the characteristics observed under the microscope, bacteria can be classified into:
After observing the bacteria under a microscope, more laboratory tests may be performed to identify the species of bacteria. However, thanks to Gram and the person’s association with signs and symptoms, the doctor may indicate preventive treatment until the result of more specific tests is available, as it is possible to reduce the rate of bacterial replication and prevent complications.