SECTION SEVEN 



Results: 



Treponema pallida, deep purple, with distinct regular spirals 

 free from precipitate. Spirochaeta refringens and other spiro- 

 chaetes, purplish black, with regular open and coarse spirals. 



AZUR L 



For the detection and staining of epidermophytic infection 



Solution required: 

 Azur L 0-5% aqueous. 

 Technique: 



1. Scrapings from around the margin of non-purulent areas of 

 infected skin or from the tops of vesicles are transferred to a slide. 



2. Treat three to ten minutes, depending on the size and thick- 

 ness of the specimen, with Carnoy's fluid; then pour off carefully 

 so that any floating debris is carried away and the fungus is left 

 adhering to the slide. 



3. Dry over a flame, taking care that the remaining Carnoy's 

 fluid does not take fire. 



4. Stain two or three minutes with 0*5% aqueous Azur L. 



5. Rinse by adding distilled water drop by drop, taking care to 

 avoid washing away the specimen. 



6. Drain well ; then dry cautiously over a flame and mount. 



Results: 



Fungal filaments, dark blue against a light blue background. 



BASIC FUCHSIN 

 For Treponema pallida in smears 



Solutions required: 



A. Potassium hydroxide 1% aqueous. 



B. Basic fuchsin 10% in absolute 



alcohol . . . . . . • • 5 rnl- 



Distilled water . . . . • • 95 ^• 



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