[Histonet] Yersinia pestis Staining

[Owen, Michael P]

Dear Jill,

According to the Sentinel Procedures (previously called Level A) of the CDC
Laboratory Response Network (LRN), Gram and Wright-Giemsa Stains are
performed on specimens to make a presumptive identification of Yersinia
pestis. Consult the Web pages below for details.

CDC Emergency Preparedness and Response: Plague Information
http://www.bt.cdc.gov
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/plague/index.asp


The Reference Procedures (previously called Levels B and C) of the LRN are
restricted to member organizations in the LRN. They are considered sensitive
material and are not available for public distribution. The LRN Reference
Procedures describe other staining tests such as direct fluorescent antibody
staining.


Historically, the Wayson Stain has been used during the identification
process of Yersinia pestis. The Web page below has a nice photograph of the
stain.

CDC Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases: Wayson Stain Image of
Yersinia pestis
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/plague/wayson.htm


The Laboratory Manual of Plague Diagnostic Tests, 2000 Edition, published by
the CDC and WHO, also has descriptions of several staining methods for
Yersinia pestis. This book is probably restricted in distribution like the
LRN Reference Procedures and is currently out of print.


A quick search of the Internet using Google and A9 might give some
interesting results. If I have time this week, I will perform a search and
get back to you with what I find.


Michael P. Owen, Regulatory Microbiologist
FDA Pacific Regional Lab Northwest
22201 23rd Drive SE Bothell, WA 98021
Phone: 425-483-4865 E-Mail: michael.owen <@t> fda.gov