Modified Steiner for the Demonstration of Spirochetes

Four histological techniques for the demonstration of spirochetes were evaluated. The Steiner technique(1944) was the most satisfactory but suffered a few drawbacks, such as precipitate and darkening of the tissue section which obscured the spirochetes. The method was therefore modified to improve on these points. The modified technique employs sensitization in uranyl nitrate, impregnation in 1% silver nitrate for an hour, brief exposure to 2.5% gum mastic followed by reduction in a solution composed of hydroquinone, gum mastic, absolute alcohol and a trace of silver nitrate. This method gives consistent results to reveal the presence of spirochetes and will demonstrate most bacteria as well.