how can it be gram+ and acid fast at the same time?

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It says that Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a gram+ and acid fast, I thought that you only do a acid fast on bacteria that did'nt take a gram stain? We havent gone over this in class and I don't think we will, since class is almost over. I'm just trying to remember the differences between the diseases. Thanks!

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Specializes in NICU/L&D, Hospice.

Their cell wall has high concentrations of lipid which doesn't let them retain the dyes to well. Acid fast staining is retained very well and is a helpful tool to identify them.

Woogy

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