Mycobacteria and Acid-Fast Property

Mycobacteria Properties

• Mycobacteria are acid-fast due to the high concentration of mycolic acids in their cell walls.
• Mycolic acids are long-chain, alpha-alkyl, beta-hydroxy fatty acids that create a hydrophobic environment, making the cells resistant to acidic and alkaline conditions.
• In M. tuberculosis, the cell wall component responsible for the acid-fast property is the unique mycolic acid-rich peptidoglycan layer.

Importance of Carbol Fuchsin Stain

• The carbol fuchsin stain is a critical diagnostic tool for identifying mycobacteria, particularly M. tuberculosis.
• This stain helps to differentiate mycobacteria from other bacteria due to their unique acid-fast properties.

Test your knowledge on the aerobic, acid-fast bacilli known as mycobacteria. Learn about their unique ability to retain the carbol fuchsin stain and the high lipid content of their cell wall that makes them acid-fast.