The Ziehl–Neelsen stain, also known as the acid-fast stain, is a routine bacteriological staining technique used in cytopathology and microbiology to identify acid-fast bacteria under microscopy, particularly members of the Mycobacterium genus. This staining method was initially introduced by Paul Ehrlich (1854–1915) and subsequently modified by the German bacteriologists Franz Ziehl (1859–1926) and Friedrich Neelsen (1854–1898) during the late 19th century. These acid-fast bacteria possess a wa

In medical bacteriology Ziehl–Neelsen staining is essential for detecting acid-fast bacilli, especially Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Acid-fast organisms retain carbol fuchsin and appear red under 100× oil immersion, while non-acid-fast cells counterstain blue. Accurate staining and microscopy are critical for reliable TB diagnosis. #MedicalLaboratoryScience #ClinicalMicrobiology #Tuberculosis #LaboratoryMedicine | Health knowledge explorer