VDRL Test: Introduction, Test Result, Normal Range, Test method, Clinical Significance, and Keynotes

Introduction The Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test is a blood test used to detect the presence of antibodies that are produced by the body in response to certain infections, primarily syphilis. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. …

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Ureaplasma: Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

Introduction Ureaplasma is a genus of bacteria that belong to the class Mollicutes. These bacteria are characterized by their small size, lack of a cell wall, and a simple structure. Ureaplasma species (they) are known to colonize the human urogenital tract and are associated with …

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Legionella pneumophila: Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

Introduction Legionella pneumophila is a gram-negative, aerobic bacterium responsible for causing Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia, and Pontiac fever, a milder flu-like illness. It was first identified in 1976 when an outbreak of pneumonia affected attendees of an American Legion convention in Philadelphia, …

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Microsporum ferrugineum: Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

Microsporum ferrugineum in LPCB taese mount of culture microscopy showing typical bamboo hyphae and lacking production of both microconidia and macroconidia

Introduction Microsporum ferrugineum is a species of dermatophytic fungus that belongs to the genus Microsporum. Dermatophytes are a group of fungi that are capable of infecting and colonizing the outer layers of the skin, hair, and nails, causing various dermatophytosis or “ringworm” infections in humans …

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Mycoplasma pneumoniae: Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

Introduction Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a unique type of bacteria that belongs to the class Mollicutes. What sets it apart from other bacteria is its lack of a cell wall, which is a characteristic feature of most bacterial species. This absence of a cell wall makes …

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

Enterobacter aerogenes colony morphology on CLED agar of urine culture

Introduction Enterobacter aerogenes is a bacterium belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family, which includes several other important pathogens and opportunistic bacteria. E. aerogenes is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that is commonly found in various environments, including soil, water, and the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals. …

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Enteroviruses: Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

Introduction Enteroviruses are a group of viruses that belong to the Picornaviridae family. They are a diverse group of viruses that can cause a wide range of illnesses, from mild cold-like symptoms to more serious diseases. Enteroviruses primarily infect the gastrointestinal tract and can spread …

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Pleural Fluid Culture and Sensitivity: Introduction, Report, Clinical Significance, Common Pathogens, and Keynotes

Pleural fluid for laboratory diagnosis

Introduction Pleural fluid culture and sensitivity is a diagnostic test used to identify and determine the antibiotic susceptibility of microorganisms present in the pleural fluid. The pleural fluid is a clear fluid that accumulates between the two layers of the pleura, the membrane that surrounds …

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