Question

Explain what it is fungal test versus bacterial analysis? do a little research. Giving some example and it should be done in a question format.

the topic is: Fungal test versus bacterial analysis

Answer 1

fungal tests- eg- KOH Prep,Fungal Smear, Culture, Antigen and Antibody Tests,Mycology Tests,Fungal Molecular Tests,Potassium Hydroxide Preparation,Calcofluor White Stain.

what are fungal infections?

also called mycoses,represent the invasion of tissues by one or more species of fungi. They range from superficial, localized skin conditions to deeper tissue infections to serious lung, blood (septicemia) or systemic diseases. Some fungi are opportunisticwhile others are pathogenic, causing disease whether the immune system is healthy or not.

why fungal test?

to detect a fungal infection, to determine which specific fungusor fungi are present, and to help guide treatment.

when to get tested?

When a healthcare practitioner suspects that you have a skin, lung, or systemic fungal infection; sometimes after treatment to monitor its prognosis.

samples required?

The sample collected depends upon the suspected location(s) of the infection. Some examples include: scrapings of the skin, nail and hair samples, body fluids, blood, and/or a tissue biopsy.

laboratory tests?

Tests for superficial infections
Many fungal skin infections are diagnosed by a healthcare practitioner based on a clinical evaluation and experience. In addition to general symptoms, many skin infections have characteristic signs, such as the appearance of infected nails, or typical locations on the body, such as the growth of athlete's foot between the toes. A clinical evaluation cannot, however, definitively tell the healthcare practitioner which microbe is causing a fungal infection. A few laboratory tests may be useful in detecting and confirming a fungal infection and may help guide treatment. They may include:

• Microscopic examinations, such as potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation and calcofluor white stain
• Fungal culture and susceptibility testing

Tests for deep tissue, lung, and systemic infections
Symptoms of lung and systemic fungal infections are frequently nonspecific and may be confused with those due to other microbes or another disease process. Laboratory testing is primarily used to diagnose these serious fungal infections, to identify the microbe responsible, and to determine its likely susceptibility to specific antimicrobial agents. Sometimes testing is also performed to detect and identify bacteria that may be causing a concurrent infection. The sample collected depends upon the suspected location(s) of the infection. It may include the collection of blood, sputum, urine, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and/or the collection of a tissue biopsy. Testing may include:

• Microscopic examination of the sample using techniques such as KOH prep and calcofluor white stain to determine whether or not the infection is due to a fungus.
• Fungal culture – this is the primary test used to diagnose a fungal infection. Many fungi are slow-growing and may require up to several weeks for detection and identification.
• Susceptibility testing – a follow-up test to the fungal culture that is sometimes ordered to help guide treatment.
• Antigen and Antibody testing – available for a variety of different fungi but only for deep or systemic infections; may be performed on blood or other body fluids, such as CSF. Antibody testing typically involves measuring the level or titer of antibody.
• Molecular testing may be used to detect the genetic material of the fungus causing the infection and may be performed on blood or other body fluids, or on a sample of the microbe grown in culture.

non laborotory tests?

In some cases, imaging scans such as x-rays may be ordered to detect fungal masses, such as those that may develop in the sinuses or lungs, and to evaluate the extent of tissue damage.

bacterial analysis-

definition?

Microbiological analysis is the use of biological, biochemical, molecular or chemical methods for the detection, identification or enumeration of microorganisms in a material. It is often applied to disease causing and spoilage microorganisms.

uses?

Microbiological analysis helps to keep under control the proliferation of viruses, bacteria, microorganism which may cause contamination, intoxication and disease.

steps?

• Sampling - Appropriate representative samples are the foundation for reliable and accurate results
• Filtration - This step is important to enhance microorganism recovery and avoid exogenous contamination
• Culturing - It is affected by the quality of the growth medium
• Incubation - The final stage before enumerating microorganism.