Medical Lab Notes

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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VITEK MS Prime: Introduction, Principle, Components, Procedure, Result -Interpretation, Application, and Keynotes

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VITEK MS Prime Introduction, Principle, Components, Procedure, Result -Interpretation, Application, and Keynotes

Introduction The VITEK MS PRIME is a benchtop, high-throughput automated identification system that works on the principle of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. It is applicable to enhance laboratory workflow for the rapid identification of microbes like bacteria, yeasts, molds, and mycobacteria.  Principle …

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HiCrome Candida Differential Agar: Introduction, Principle, Test Requirement, Procedure, Result-Interpretation, and Keynotes

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Various Candida species growth on HiCrome Candida Differential Agar after 4 days of incubation

Introduction HiCrome™ Candida Differential Agar is a specialized chromogenic medium used in clinical microbiology for the rapid isolation and presumptive identification of Candida species. The medium is designed to differentiate between major Candida species—Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida krusei (Pichia kudriavzevii), and Candida glabrata—based on colony color and morphology within 48 hours. …

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Dalmau Plate Technique: Introduction, Principle, Test Requirements, Procedure, Application, and Keynotes

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Dalmau Plate Microscopy at high power field (40X objective)

Introduction The Dalmau plate technique is a classic mycological method used to identify and differentiate yeast species, specifically Candida species, by observing their unique morphological features.  The technique is a specialized culture method that uses a “starvation medium” to induce the formation of characteristic structures like pseudohyphae, blastoconidia, and chlamydospores. It remains …

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