Candida-Antibody Testing-Introduction, Principle, Purpose, Types of antibody tests, Limitation, and More

Candida albicans growth on Biphasic medium (BHI agar and broth)-right (turbid)- No growth on left (clear)

Introduction Candida antibody testing measures immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, and IgM) antibodies in the blood to help detect current or past Candida infections. These antibodies are produced in response to the presence of Candida in the body, assisting the immune system in fighting off the fungus. Principle Purpose …

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Laboratory Requirements for Evaluating Mushroom Antifungal Activity against Clinical Dermatophytes

Laboratory Requirements for Evaluating Mushroom Antifungal Activity against Clinical Dermatophytes

Introduction To effectively evaluate mushrooms’ antifungal activity against clinical dermatophytes, laboratories require specialized equipment and techniques for fungal isolation, identification, and susceptibility testing. These include media for fungal culture, microscopy for morphological identification, and standardized methods like agar-based disk diffusion (ABDD) or broth microdilution for antifungal …

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Biosafety Cabinet (BSC)-Introduction, Purpose and Function,  Working Mechanism, Types, and Application

Biosafety Cabinet (BSC)-Introduction, Purpose and Function,  Working Mechanism, Types, and Application

Introduction of Biosafety Cabinet (BSC) A biosafety cabinet (BSC) is a specialized enclosed, ventilated laboratory workspace that is designed for safely handling materials contaminated with pathogens or toxins. It protects the operator, the product being worked on, and the environment. BSC uses high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA)  filters to …

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Aspergillus and penicillium conidia differences: Introduction, Differences, Keynotes, and Further Readings

Conidia, conidiophore, phialides, vesicle of Aspergillus

Introduction Aspergillus conidia are produced on unbranched conidiophores with a vesicle, while Penicillium conidia are produced on branched conidiophores, forming brush-like structures. Both have small conidia, but differ in color and germination patterns.  The LPCB mount shows the hallmark features of an Aspergillus conidiophore: This brush‑ or radiate‑head …

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Cryptococcal Antigen (CrAg) Testing-Introduction, Principle, Sample used, Detection Methods, Clinical Significance, Limitations, and Keynotes

Cryptococcal Antigen (CrAg) Testing-Introduction, Principle, Sample used, Detection Methods, Clinical Significance, Limitations, and Keynotes

Introduction of Cryptococcal Antigen (CrAg) Testing  Cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) testing detects the presence of antigens produced by the Cryptococcus fungus in body fluids, aiding in the diagnosis of cryptococcosis, particularly meningitis. This test helps identify infection early, even before visible symptoms appear, and is crucial for timely …

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Mold Identification by MALDI-TOF (VITEK): Introduction, Procedure, Benefits, Comparison with other methods, and Keynotes

Mold Identification by MALDI-TOF (VITEK) Introduction, Procedure, Benefits, Comparison with other methods, and Keynotes

Introduction of Mold identification using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry Mold identification using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, particularly with systems like VITEK MS, offers a rapid and reliable method for identifying fungal species, including molds, in clinical microbiology laboratories.  Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry is a …

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Geobacillus stearothermophilus: The Gold Standard for Autoclave Sterilization

Geobacillus stearothermophilus (formerly Bacillus stearothermophilus) is the most commonly used biological indicator (BI) organism for monitoring steam sterilization (autoclaving)

Introduction Geobacillus stearothermophilus (formerly Bacillus stearothermophilus) is the most commonly used biological indicator (BI) organism for monitoring steam sterilization (autoclaving). Below are some key points about why and how it is used for quality control (QC) checks: Why Geobacillus stearothermophilus? How Biological Indicators Work Interpreting …

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Candida albicans-Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

Yeast cells, budding yeasts, and pseudohyphae in KOH mount of sputum microscopic examination

Introduction Candida albicans is a common fungal pathogen in humans. It inhabits mucosal surfaces naturally and colonizes the gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary system frequently. The organism causes infections in both healthy and immunocompromised individuals and adapts quickly to environmental changes within the host. Clinicians report …

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