Cytochemical characterization of mycobacterial outer surfaces.

A cytochemical study of mycobacterial outer surfaces was carried out on both pathogenic (M. leprae, M. avium) and non pathogenic (M. aurum) strains. Different cytochemical markers were used: Ruthenium Red, Concanavalin A, Wheat Germ Agglutinin, Colloidal Iron and Cationized Ferritin. The cytochemical staining pattern varied according to the species studied. The relationship between outer surface properties of mycobacteria and their capacity of adhesion to or ingestion by bone marrow macrophages was also considered.