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Gram stain results are not always a conclusive test to indicate the structure of
the cell wall of bacteria. Certain gram-positive bacteria lose some of their cell
wall properties with age or exposure to harsh or bacterial static/ bactericidal
agents causing them to appear gram-negative or gram-variable. Also many
Bacillus sp. and Clostridium sp. stain falsely gram-negative. Several additional
tests can be performed to aid in the determination of gram reactivity, although
none are foolproof.