A comparison of three staining methods in estimation of structures on the cell wall surface of Acinetobacter junii by using electron microscope.

Two strains of Acinetobacter junii isolated from groin and nasal cavity were studied for the presence of structures on the cell wall surface. Three staining methods were used. In the first thin section were contrasted with uranyl acetate and lead citrate. In this method, only electron dense amorphous material could be seen. Using only 1% uranyl acetate, thin fimbriae were observed which in few cases were collected in bundles. Staining with ruthenium red showed bacteria with thick short and long numerous peritrichous structures. Bacteria with structures concentrated near the polar regions were seen as well. From the comparative study of three methods, two of them were found to be useful: methods with ruthenium red and with 1% uranyl acetate.