Cytochemical Method for Staining Active Leukocytes in Tubulo-interstitial Bacterial Nephritis - A Comparative Study

The demonstration of active, live leukocytes (glitter cells) in the final urine sediment is a marker for the presence of an inflammatory process in the excretory system of the kidneys in tubulointerstitial bacterial nephritis, acute pyelonephritis. These cells are best seen using a phase-contrast microscope. Unfortunately, these types of microscopes are expensive, their maintenance is complicated, and their use requires specially qualified and trained personnel. Therefore, we decided to experiment in two directions: 1. To use the capabilities of a conventional light microscope to detect active leukocytes in the urine sediment, 2. To make a comparative analysis between our proposed original, fast and inexpensive method for demonstrating active leukocytes in the urine sediment by staining with a 1% solution of the dye Methylene-Blau, on the one hand, and our modified method for staining cells in the urine sediment with Eosin-Yello (Eo-Yell) (which is standardized by WHO for demonstrating active, live spermatozoa). Our method for staining polymorphonuclear leukocytes in urine sediment with Methylene-Blau well differentiates the population of active and the population of inactive leukocytes, and the quality of cytological preparations with our method provides an excellent and suitable alternative to cytological staining in the examination of urine sediment for evidence of acute kidney infection. Our proposed method is a good urinary "biomarker" for acute kidney disease. When used properly, urine sediment results alert health care professionals to the presence of kidney disease, while providing diagnostic information to localize kidney damage, guide therapy, and aid in prognosis. Our published method can be used to demonstrate living cells (living tissues) - a current issue related to transplantation. But this is a subject of future research and trials.