Hadano Y. Unveiling
Gram-Ghost Cells: A Crucial Aspect of Gram Staining in the COVID-19 Era.
Cureus 2024;
16:e54118. [PMID:
38487138 PMCID:
PMC10938962 DOI:
10.7759/cureus.54118]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The term "Gram-ghost appearance" refers to mycobacteria's unique Gram staining characteristics. Recognizing Mycobacterium tuberculosis as a potential pathogen in respiratory infections, especially in the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic, is critical. This case highlights the pivotal role of Gram staining in diagnosis, particularly when COVID-19 tests consistently show negative results. Recognition of Gram-ghost bacilli facilitated prompt tuberculosis diagnosis, emphasizing the enduring diagnostic value of Gram staining, especially in the COVID-19 era.
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