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Modified Genta triple stain for identifying Helicobacter pylori
H M el-Zimaity1, J Wu, D Y Graham
1Gastrointestinal Mucosa Pathology Laboratory, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
Journal of Clinical Pathology
|February 3, 2000
Summary
Lead nitrate can replace uranyl nitrate in the Genta stain for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) detection. This modification maintains the triple stain
Area of Science:
- Histopathology
- Microbiology
Background:
- The Genta stain, a triple stain combining Steiner silver impregnation with Alcian blue and hematoxylin/eosin (H&E), is effective for identifying Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).
- Uranyl nitrate, a component of the original Genta stain, presents potential chemical and radiological hazards.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of substituting lead nitrate for uranyl nitrate in the Genta stain.
- To determine if this substitution compromises the diagnostic advantages of the original triple stain for H. pylori.
Main Methods:
- A comparative analysis was performed on 16 tissue specimens.
- Sections were stained using both the original Genta stain (with uranyl nitrate) and a revised version (with lead nitrate).
- Stained sections were evaluated by a single pathologist.
Main Results:
- Direct replacement of uranyl nitrate with lead nitrate yielded well-stained H. pylori organisms.
- The substitution did not interfere with Alcian blue or H&E counterstaining.
- No significant difference in bacterial identification was observed between the two staining methods, even in cases with low H. pylori density (1-2/5).
Conclusions:
- Lead nitrate effectively replaces uranyl nitrate in the Genta stain for H. pylori detection.
- This substitution eliminates the chemical and radiological risks associated with uranyl nitrate.
- The diagnostic efficacy of the triple stain is preserved when using lead nitrate.
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