Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a significant drawback of using ELISA tests?
What is a significant drawback of using ELISA tests?
Which technique is used to detect specific DNA sequences from a pathogen?
Which technique is used to detect specific DNA sequences from a pathogen?
How does the cycle threshold (Ct) value relate to viral load in RT-PCR?
How does the cycle threshold (Ct) value relate to viral load in RT-PCR?
What is the main purpose of the Western Blot test?
What is the main purpose of the Western Blot test?
Signup and view all the answers
What distinguishes RT-PCR from standard PCR?
What distinguishes RT-PCR from standard PCR?
Signup and view all the answers
What advantage does PCR provide over other diagnostic tests?
What advantage does PCR provide over other diagnostic tests?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a function of using Nucleic Acid Tests (NAT)?
Which of the following is NOT a function of using Nucleic Acid Tests (NAT)?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one of the main benefits of using ELISA tests in research?
What is one of the main benefits of using ELISA tests in research?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary purpose of serology testing?
What is the primary purpose of serology testing?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following tests can identify antigens associated with an infectious agent?
Which of the following tests can identify antigens associated with an infectious agent?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of antibody test involves a labeled secondary antibody molecule?
What type of antibody test involves a labeled secondary antibody molecule?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a characteristic feature of agglutination tests?
What is a characteristic feature of agglutination tests?
Signup and view all the answers
Which factor is NOT considered when choosing a serologic test?
Which factor is NOT considered when choosing a serologic test?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following diseases can be diagnosed using agglutination tests?
Which of the following diseases can be diagnosed using agglutination tests?
Signup and view all the answers
In the context of serologic testing, what do labeled antibody tests specifically help detect?
In the context of serologic testing, what do labeled antibody tests specifically help detect?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the role of the secondary antibody in an ELISA test?
What is the role of the secondary antibody in an ELISA test?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Microbiology Lecture 15: Immune and Nucleic Acid Testing
- Lecture Focus: Immune and nucleic acid testing for diagnosis.
- Lecturer: Patrick Daydif
- Contact Information: Provided (office, phone, email, and office hours).
-
Testing Methods (Serology): Uses antigen-antibody interactions in blood serum to diagnose infection.
- Two Main Types: Detects antigens using known antibodies, or antibodies using known antigens.
- Factors Influencing Test Choice: Suspected diagnosis, cost, and speed of results are considered.
- Serologic Test Types: Agglutination, labeled antibody tests (ELISA), Western blot, and nucleic acid tests (NAT).
Agglutination Tests
- Mechanism: Cross-linking antibodies with particulate antigens causes clumping.
- Speed: Quick results, visible to the naked eye.
- Methods: Test serum is mixed with latex particles and observed for agglutination.
- Target Pathogens/Issues: Bacteria, viruses, toxins, tetanus, and diagnosing blood types.
Labeled Antibody Tests (ELISA)
- Mechanism: Enzymes are linked to antibodies to detect antigens or antibodies in a sample.
- Detection: Change in color indicates the presence of the molecule being tested for.
- Applications: Detects antigens or antibodies, quantifies the amount of antigen or antibody present, inexpensive, and tests numerous samples quickly.
- Potential Issue: False positives.
Western Blot
- Mechanism: Separates antigens by size and detects specific antigens in a mixture.
- Applications: Detect multiple proteins/antibodies in a sample, and can differentiate between various types of antibodies.
- Advantages: Detects multiple antibody/antigen types in a complex sample. Less subject to misinterpretation compared to other tests.
Nucleic Acid Tests (NAT)
- Mechanism: Tests for presence of pathogen genetic material.
- Types: Southern blot (detects specific DNA) and Northern blot (detects specific RNA).
- Information Gained: Detects infections in individuals with little to no symptoms. Can be used to detect cancer gene sequences.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
- Mechanism: Amplifies specific gene regions of a sample.
- Steps: Sample isolation, purification of nucleic acids, amplification of desired DNA segment using primers, replicates sample for testing.
Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR)
- Type of PCR: Specifically for RNA analysis
- Mechanism: Detects viral load by counting cycles.
- Diagnostic Application: Rapidly detects the presence and relative viral load of an infection. Lower cycle count (Ct) = higher viral load.
COVID-19 Testing
- Methods: Various types of testing for COVID-19 are described, including testing procedures for antigen, RNA, and sample collection.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Explore the fundamental concepts of immune and nucleic acid testing as discussed in Microbiology Lecture 15. This quiz covers various serological test methods, including agglutination tests, focusing on their mechanisms, speed, and application in diagnosing pathogens. Test your understanding of these critical diagnostic tools!
