Labratory Analysis of the Immune Response (Lecture 15) Flashcards
What are the three main kinds of microbial identification methods?
Phenotypic, Immunologic, Genotypic
These methods are used to identify clinically significant bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral infections.
What does phenotypic method involve?
Observation of microbe’s microscopic and macroscopic morphology, physiology, and biochemical properties
This method focuses on the physical and biochemical characteristics of the microorganism.
Define immunologic methods.
Analysis of microbe using antibodies, or of patients’ antibodies using prepackaged antigens
These methods are often used for diagnostic purposes.
What is the genotypic method?
Analysis of microbe’s DNA or RNA
This method focuses on the genetic material of the microbe.
What is serology?
In vitro diagnosis of blood serum
It involves testing serum for the presence of antibodies.
What is a titer?
Highest dilution of antibodies in a sample that is positive
It is determined by agglutination tests.
What are agglutination tests used for?
To determine the presence of antibodies by observing clumping
These tests can be used in various immunologic methods.
True or False: Lateral flow tests make reactions visible to the naked eye.
True
An example includes pregnancy tests.
What is the purpose of the Western blot test?
Separating proteins by electrophoresis and using antibodies to detect the proteins
It is often used in confirmatory testing.
What does ELISA stand for?
Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay
It uses an enzyme linked indicator antibody for detection.
What is qPCR?
Quantitative PCR or real-time PCR
It colorizes as PCR progresses.
What is panbacterial PCR used for?
Amplifies all bacterial DNA
This method is particularly good for analyzing wound samples.
What is hybridization in the context of genotypic methods?
Analyzing segments of genetic material using complementary probes
This method is less commonly used now except for cancer diagnosis.
What is whole genome sequencing?
Sequencing everything to determine which bacteria it is
This method is becoming cheaper and more accessible.
What do microarrays analyze?
Gene sequences for thousands of infectious agents
They allow for the simultaneous analysis of multiple targets.
Fill in the blank: The _______ method includes direct examination of specimen and selective and differential growth.
Phenotypic
This method also includes antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
