Learn about positive staining methods for virus detection in clinical and research settings. This comprehensive guide covers:
✓ Principles of Positive Staining (dye-binding mechanisms)
✓ Key Techniques:
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC) – Antibody-based detection
- Immunofluorescence (IF) – Fluorescent tagging of viral antigens
- Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) – Histopathological identification of viral inclusions
- Giemsa Staining – Viral cytopathic effects in cell cultures
- Electron Microscopy (EM) Stains – Heavy metal contrasting (e.g., uranyl acetate)
✓ Diagnostic Applications:
- Herpesviruses (Cowdry type A inclusions)
- Rabies (Negri bodies in neurons)
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) (Owl’s eye inclusions)
- Respiratory viruses (RSV, Influenza)
✓ Comparison with Negative Staining (for EM visualization)
✓ Troubleshooting Common Staining Issues
Essential for virologists, pathologists, and clinical lab professionals working in infectious disease diagnostics.
Test your knowledge with 30+ MCQs on positive viral staining methods, covering:
◼️ Identification of viral inclusion bodies
◼️ Selection of appropriate staining techniques (IHC vs. IF vs. H&E)
◼️ Interpretation of stained samples
◼️ Common pitfalls and artifacts
Perfect for medical students, virology researchers, and lab technicians preparing for certification exams.
Read Full Article: Positive staining of Viruses 50 FAQ and 30 MCQs






