Lecture 2 Flashcards
What is the primary role of a technician in clinical microbiology?
Rapidly and accurately provide DVM with information
What is the significance of specimen collection in microbiology?
Sample that is representative of the disease process (infection site) with minimum contamination
Which types of specimens are typically collected for microbiological analysis?
Body fluids > 1ml, exudates or tissues > 3cm
What are appropriate collection devices for microbiological specimens?
- Culture swabs +/- transport medium
- Various sterile containers, no additives
- Microscope slides
What is the most important laboratory procedure for microbiologic diagnosis?
Direct Microscopic examination
What is the purpose of Gram staining in microbiology?
Helps in selection of culture conditions and identification of bacteria
What are the common bacterial species associated with infections?
- Staphylococcus spp.
- Streptococcus spp.
- Bacillus spp.
- Clostridium spp.
- Corynebacterium spp.
What is the significance of blood cultures in microbiology?
Used for diagnosing idiopathic fever, bacteremia associated with endocarditis, and neonatal septicemias
What is the role of antimicrobial susceptibility testing?
Selection of appropriate therapy for infectious diseases
What is the goal of antimicrobial susceptibility testing?
MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration); the lowest concentration of an antimicrobial for inhibition of growth
What are dermatophytes?
Keratinophilic fungi that cause lesions with crusty debris and variable hair loss
What are the typical methods for viral isolation?
- Monolayer cell cultures
- Embryonated hen eggs
- Lab animal inoculation
What are the key components of serologic testing?
Detection of specific antibodies and antibody response to infection
What types of immunological disorders are classified?
- Allergies
- Autoimmune diseases
- Immunodeficiencies
- Immunoproliferative diseases
What is a nosocomial infection?
An infection resulting from exposure to an infectious agent while hospitalized
What factors contribute to nosocomial infections?
- Stress
- Age
- Debilitating disease
- Medical procedures
- Long periods of hospitalization
What are the essential practices for controlling nosocomial infections?
- Sterilization of equipment
- Aseptic treatment techniques
- Isolation practices
- Hand washing between patients
Fill in the blank: The lowest concentration of an antimicrobial that inhibits growth is known as _______.
[MIC]
True or False: Viral infections can be effectively diagnosed through isolation in dead tissues.
False
How do you perform a shipment?
*each sample packaged separately and leak proof
*Proper labeling: name, date, species, source of specimen
*Proper history
