More fungal fun with yeasty beasties! We acquired some legit, real deal Bombay India Ink and I tested it out today using what it’s supposed to detect: Cryptococcus neoformans. A yeast that is found in soil, and although rarely causes infection in healthy humans, it’s a problem and associated with immunosupressed patients. What we are looking for is the halo around the cell which indicates capsule production, which is visible using this “negative staining” technique. With the black background, we can see the cell, and the capsule surrounding it! I will update with a negative control photo now that I’m writing and realized it would be hugely useful to have a comparison side by side.
This particular yeast has not given anyone grief since it was a known quality control organism. No interesting clinical story to tell, but it makes me feel better knowing this particular halo, is still innocent.
