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Spore stain(Schaeffer-Fulton ) Principle, Procedure and Results MSc. Sarah Ahmed

Spore stain(Schaeffer-Fulton method)
Some gram positive bacteria especially members of the genera clostridium and bacillus have the ability to form spore(endospore) when exposed to drastic unfavorable conditions such as drying, heating, lack of nutrients and so on. Spores formed by these bacteria are highly resistant to unfavorable conditions and can remain viable for several years, once the conditions become favorable the spore germinates.

Spore stain(cont..)

Spores don,t accept the stain easily due to their thick impervious coat and require the use of heating during staining. Procedure: Prepare smear of the microorganism, allow to dry and the heat-fix to a slide. Place the slide over a steam bath, flood the smear with malachite green dye and keep it for 3-5 mins, replenish smear with malachite green dye if some evaporates and don't allow the stain to boil.

Spore stain(cont..)

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