Whipple's Disease: Identifying Foamy Macrophages
Whipple's disease is a rare bacterial infection primarily affecting the small intestine. A key diagnostic feature is the presence of macrophages filled with bacteria and cellular debris, giving them a characteristic 'foamy' appearance histologically.
Histological Stain for Foamy Macrophages
Identifying the specific stain used for these characteristic 'foamy' macrophages is crucial. Let's examine the options:
- Sudan Black-B: This stain is used for lipids. While macrophages in Whipple's disease contain lipids contributing to their foamy look, it's not the most characteristic stain for the overall pathology.
- Gentian violet: Used for staining bacteria, but not the primary choice for the macrophages themselves in this context.
- Methylene blue: A common basic dye used for general cell staining, but lacks specificity for the Whipple's disease findings.
- Periodic acid Schiff (PAS): This stain is particularly effective at highlighting the complex carbohydrates found in the cell walls of the causative bacteria, Tropheryma whipplei, as well as related glycoproteins and cellular debris within the macrophages. This makes PAS the characteristically used stain.
Conclusion on Staining
The Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) stain is the diagnostically characteristic method for visualizing the bacterial components and associated material within the 'foamy' macrophages found in the small intestinal mucosa during Whipple's disease.
Important Questions from Bacterial Infections
Which of the following are major criteria under the Jones Criteria for Acute Rheumatic Fever?
1. Chorea
2. Erythema Marginatum
3. Subcutaneous Nodules
4. Polyarthralgia
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A young male presented with recent onset urethral discharge and dysuria. On examination, the discharge was profuse and purulent. Microscopy of smears from the discharge revealed Gram-negative diplococci. What is the likely diagnosis?
- Cat-scratch disease is caused by infection of which of the following organisms?
Which of the following drugs is/are useful in the treatment of Listeria monocytogenes infection?
1. Ceftriaxone
2. Gentamicin
3. Ampicillin
4. Sulfamethoxazole
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Which of the following statements are correct regarding brucellosis?
1. Fever may develop into an undulating pattern that persists for weeks.
2. Associated musculoskeletal symptoms are a feature of the disease.
3. Brucellae behave as facultative intracellular parasites.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
