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What is the GMS Silver Stain?
What is the GMS Silver Stain?
The GMS silver stain (also known as Grocott-Gomori’s methenamine silver stain) is a histological stain used to stain fungi in tissue samples. The GMS silver stain works by selectively staining charbohydrates exclusive to fungi. The stain was famously used to identify Pneumocystis jiroveci as the fungus responsible for pneumocytosis pneumonia (a type of pneumonia found in immunocompromised patients).
The GMS silver stain (also known as Grocott-Gomori’s methenamine silver stain) is a histological stain used to stain fungi in tissue samples. The GMS silver stain works by selectively staining charbohydrates exclusive to fungi. The stain was famously used to identify Pneumocystis jiroveci as the fungus responsible for pneumocytosis pneumonia (a type of pneumonia found in immunocompromised patients).
National Organization for Rare Disorders, 2024. Pneumocystis Pneumonia. https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/pneumocystis-pneumonia/
Mokobi, F., 2022. Grocott-Gomori’s Methenamine Silver Staining. MicrobeNotes. https://microbenotes.com/grocott-gomoris-methenamine-silver-staining/
Safety:
Safety:
The GMS silver stain is a hazardous substance, known as a reproductive toxin, acute oral toxin, skin corrodent, a specific organ toxin, and as a carcinogen. GMS silver stain is also capable of causing serious eye damage and respiratory sensitization, while also being a strong oxidizing agent- and therefore highly flammable. Goggles and protective gloves are highly reccomended, alongside protective clothing.
If GMS silver stain gets in your mouth or is swallowed, rinse mouth and call poison control and/or a doctor. If stain is on skin/hair/clothing, take off any contaminated clothing and wash affected area with water. If stain is in eyes, rinse with water for several minutes, removing contacts as needed, and call poison control and/or a doctor. If inhaled, go outside for fresh air and poison control and/or a doctor.
Staining Analysis:
Staining Analysis:
The utilization of the GMS silver stain reveals underlying fungal structures in tissue samples. Depending on the type of fungus, its presentation under the microscope may differ. Refer to the slides on the right to gain insight into possible staining outcomes and what they mean.
Guarner J, Brandt ME. 2011. Histopathologic Diagnosis of Fungal Infections in the 21st Century. Clin Microbiol Rev 24:.
Wright, A. M., Mody, D. R., Anton, R. C., & Schwartz, M. R. (2017). Aberrant staining with Grocott's methenamine silver: utility beyond fungal organisms. Journal of the American Society of Cytopathology, 6(6), 223–227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasc.2017.05.004
Lopez, Alison & Kazina, Colin & Del Bigio, Marc & Fanella, Sergio. (2019). Candida albicans ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection in an infant: A case report and review of the literature. Official Journal of the Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada. 5. e20190020. 10.3138/jammi.2019-0020.
Jaiswal, A. (2024). Invasive Aspergillosis in bone marrow- GMS stain. American Society of Hematology. https://imagebank.hematology.org/image/65383/invasive-aspergillosis-in-bone-marrow-gms-stain?type=upload
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