Answer
The Gram reaction is useful as it can quickly provide a preliminary indication of what the bacteria causing the infection is. This can aid in prescribing the type of antibiotic used.
Work Step by Step
1. The Gram reaction is used to determine whether a bacterial strain is Gram-negative or Gram-positive.
2. The staining process involves the crystal violet and iodine forming a complex in a heat fixed cell.
3. If the acetone-alcohol washes out the complex, and the safranin dye counter-stain colors the organism red, the bacteria is Gram-negative.
4. If the complex is not washed out by the acetone-alcohol and the organism remains purple, the bacteria is Gram-positive.
5. Knowing which type of bacteria can readily aid in determining diagnosis and treatment of the bacterial infection.
