Nocardia

Nocardia (Gordona)

This page is dedicated to presenting information as it applies to Nocardia (or what is been classified as Gordona spp through the use of FISH--Fluorescent In-Situ Hybridization). Nocardia has the following morphological features that assist in its identification with the use of a phase contrast microscope. Nocardia is a rather short filament which are irregularly bent and have what is termed true branching. Nocardia has cells that are 1.0 µm wide and 1-2 µm long. The length of a Nocardia filament can be between 10-20 µm long.

Nocardia 100x (phase contrast) live sample

This photograph displays Nocardia within the floc matrix as well as dispersed out in the bulk solution. It is the dispersed Nocardia that causes havoc in foaming incidents.

Nocardia 400x (phase contrast) live sample

The higher magnification allows to present a feature that is inherent to Nocardia. This feature is the presence of true branching. The photo shows some of the Nocardia branching.

Nocardia 1000x (phase contrast) live sample

At this higher magnification, Nocardia truly displays its one morphological feature that makes it stand out under the microscope--it is is true branching. Now the only thing remaining would be to perform a Gram stain to ensure that it is Gram positive--Nocardia will stain dark blue/purple.

Nocardia 1000x (brightfield) Gram stain

Nocardia stains purple to dark blue-Gram positive. The Gram negative-red colored filamentous bacteria running from top left down to the bottom right hand corner is type 1851.

Nocardia 1000x (brightfield) Neisser stain

Nocardia filaments stain yellow-Neisser negative. This photo shows Neisser positive-purple to dark blue--granules which are volutin granules.