Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Introduction, Application, and Keynotes

Introduction to IHC Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a powerful laboratory technique that combines anatomical, immunological, and biochemical methods to detect specific antigens (proteins) in tissue sections. By exploiting the principle of antibodies binding specifically to antigens in biological tissues, IHC allows for the visualization of protein …

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VITEK 2 Yeast Identification: Introduction, Name of Card, Principle, Procedure, Result-Interpretation, Organisms Identified, and Keynotes

VITEK 2 YST Card information and Organisms Identified

Introduction The VITEK 2 Yeast Identification (YST) system is an automated platform designed for the rapid identification of clinically significant yeasts and yeast-like organisms. It significantly reduces the turnaround time from several days (traditional methods) to approximately 15 to 18 hours. Name of the Card …

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Bacterial Load (Decoding the CFU): Introduction, Ranges, Application, and Keynotes

Bacterial Count in a Colony Forming Unit (CFU)

Introduction of Bacterial Load (Decoding the CFU) Bacterial load, measured in Colony-Forming Units (CFU), is a fundamental concept in microbiology used to estimate the number of viable (living) microorganisms in a sample. Unlike total cell counts that include dead bacteria, the CFU method only counts …

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Pichia kudriavzevii-Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

Pichia kudriavzevii growth on HiCrome Candida Differential Agar

Introduction Pichia kudriavzevii, formerly known as Candida krusei, is a unique budding yeast that holds a dual status as both a critical industrial organism and an emerging opportunistic pathogen.  Taxonomy: It is the teleomorph (sexual state) of Candida krusei. It has also been historically known as Issatchenkia orientalis. …

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Morphological Characterization of MTBC: Identifying “Buff” Granular Growth in MGIT Liquid Culture

Levofloxacin-resistant MTBC-Left tube-Linezolid sensitive MTBC (right tube)

Visual Observation Technical Interpretation The MGIT Principle: These tubes contain a fluorescent sensor embedded in silicon at the bottom. As the MTBC metabolizes nutrients, it consumes dissolved oxygen. MTBC Characteristics The “buff-colored” (off-white to light yellow) and granular appearance is highly indicative of the M. …

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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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Pollen Grains Microscopy: Introduction, Identification, and Keynotes

Pollen grain in KOH mount of sputum microscopy at high power objecti ve (40X) further enhanced 4X

Introduction Pollen grain microscopy involves studying the microscopic structures of pollen grains using techniques like light microscopy to identify them based on their morphology, shape, and surface features, which are crucial for plant taxonomy, ecology, and other applications.  What are pollen grains? Pollen grains are …

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Streptococcus mutans: Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

Streptococcus mutans in wet mount of culture microscopic examination

Introduction Streptococcus mutans is a Gram-positive bacterium that colonizes the human oral cavity. Furthermore, it plays a central role in dental plaque formation. The bacterium adheres to tooth surfaces and forms robust biofilms. Moreover, it metabolizes sugars to produce acids that erode enamel. Additionally, researchers …

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