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Introduction HLA-B27 (Human Leukocyte Antigen B27) is a specific genetic variant of the HLA-B gene located on chromosome 6. While HLA proteins normally help the immune system distinguish between the body’s own cells and foreign invaders, the B27 variant is a well-known risk factor for …
Introduction The Xpert MTB/RIF assay is an automated, cartridge-based molecular test used to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and rifampicin (RIF) resistance, the most potent first-line anti-TB drug. Endorsed by the WHO in 2010, the Xpert MTB/RIF assay revolutionized TB diagnosis by providing results in less than two …
Introduction Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra is an automated diagnostic test designed for the rapid and simultaneous detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and resistance to rifampin (RIF). It is a second-generation assay developed by Cepheid to provide significantly higher sensitivity than the original Xpert MTB/RIF, particularly for …
Introduction Middlebrook 7H9 broth is a liquid growth medium first described in 1958 by Middlebrook and Cohn for the specialized cultivation of Mycobacterium species. It is widely used in clinical and research settings for rapid growth, biochemical testing, and preparing inocula for drug susceptibility testing …
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 …
Introduction Aerococcus viridans is a gram-positive coccus that rarely infects humans. It usually inhabits hospital environments. Moreover, it exists in air and water. It causes urinary tract infections, endocarditis, and bacteremia. Additionally, it appears in various clinical specimens. Furthermore, laboratories sometimes misidentify it as viridans …
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 …
Introduction For diagnosing coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever), AI-assisted Coccidioides antibody testing uses enzyme immunoassays (EIA) and immunodiffusion (ID) or complement fixation (CF) tests to detect antibodies against the fungus Coccidioides immitis. Clinical Significance Types of Tests Used: How the Tests Work: Result-Interpretation AI in Coccidioides Antibody Testing …