Sometimes bacteria are present within white cells. It is important to note in the report whether the bacteria are intracellular. In this field, gram-negative bacteria are present within a neutrophil as indicated by the arrows.
4. CDC/Schwartz. "This photomicrograph of a Gram-stained specimen, revealed the presence of intracellular, gram-negative, Neisseria gonorrhoeae diplococcal bacteria, amongst numerous white blood cells (WBCs), known as polymorphonuclear leukocytes, or PMNs." PHIL public domain. 1971. Accessed October 27, 2023. https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=15018
