Medical Lab Notes

Klebsiella aerogenes : Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

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Klebsiella aerogenes colony morphology on CLED agar after 24 hours of incubation

Introduction Klebsiella aerogenes (formerly Enterobacter aerogenes) is an opportunistic Gram-negative, facultative anaerobic bacterium responsible for serious healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), including bloodstream infections and pneumonia. It is highly associated with antibiotic resistance (including XDR strains) and poor clinical outcomes.  Morphology Pathogenicity & Virulence Factors Lab Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Keynotes …

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TrueNat for Tuberculosis: Introduction, Principle, Procedure, Result-Interpretation, application, and Keynotes

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Introduction TrueNat is a rapid, chip-based, and portable molecular diagnostic test. It is developed by Molbio Diagnostics for the detection of tuberculosis (TB) and rifampicin (RIF) resistance. It is the first molecular point-of-care test for TB recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).  Principle The TrueNat system …

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Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM): Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

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Turbid growth of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM), Mycobacterium fortuitum in a Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT)

Introduction Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) are a large group of over 190 species of mycobacteria that are present in the environment (soil and water). They do not cause tuberculosis or leprosy, and they are opportunistic pathogens, largely infecting individuals with pre-existing lung conditions, weakened immunity, or …

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Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC): Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

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Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex grow on MGIT having modified Middlebrook 7H9 broth with PANTA supplement after 13 days of incubation

Introduction The Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) is a group of genetically related bacterial species that cause tuberculosis (TB) in humans and various animals. While Mycobacterium tuberculosis (sensu stricto) is the primary cause of human tuberculosis, the complex includes several other species with distinct host preferences and geographic distributions.  Morphology …

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Mycobacterium fortuitum : Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

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Mycobacterium fortuitum growth on modified Middlebrook 7H9 broth with PANTA supplement after 3 days of incubation

Introduction Mycobacterium fortuitum is a rapidly growing, nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM). It is found ubiquitously in the environment, primarily associated with skin, soft tissue, and post-surgical wound infections. As an opportunistic pathogen that is known for its ability to grow within 7 days, it often causes infections …

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IGRA (Interferon-Gamma Release Assay) Test-Introduction, Principle, Test Requirement, Procedure, Result-Interpretation, and Keynotes

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Introduction An Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) is a modern blood test used to identify if a person is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is primarily used to detect latent TB infection (LTBI) and to aid in the diagnosis of active tuberculosis disease.  Principle The test is based on the fact …

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Line Probe Assay (LPA) for Tuberculosis -Introduction, Principle, Test Requirements, Procedure, Result-Interpretation, and Keynotes

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Introduction The Line Probe Assay (LPA) is a rapid molecular diagnostic test used to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and its resistance to anti-tuberculosis drugs. It identifies specific mutations in the genes associated with drug resistance by hybridizing amplified DNA onto membrane strips.  The LPA is a …

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Molecular Typing of Fungi: Introduction, Common Molecular Typing Method, and Application

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Various Candida species growth on HiCrome Candida Differential Agar

Introduction Molecular typing of fungi uses DNA-based methods to identify species and differentiate strains for clinical, epidemiological, and environmental studies. Key techniques include Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) sequencing (the standard for identification), Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST), restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS). These methods are crucial for tracking …

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