BIOL 2900 Chapter Notes - Chapter 17: Blood Culture, Phlegm, Sputum
Document Summary
Methods microbiologist use to identify bacteria o the level of genus and species fall into 3 main categories: phenotype: includes a consideration of morphology(microscopic and macroscopic) as well as bacterial physiology or biochemistry. Genetic means of identification are being used as a sole resource for identifying bacteria more often. Genetic analyses provide a more acute and speedy way of identifying microbe. Serology: highly reliable procedure for some diseases and is still favoured as a screening method for large numbers of people. Microscopic morphology: traits can be valuable to identication: cell shape, size, gram stain, reaction, acid-fast reaction, and special structure (endospores, granules, capsules). Analysis also used to evaluate specimen quality prior to culturing which helps to narrow causative agent as bacterial, fungal, protozoan. Electron microscope: pint point structural features (cell wall, flagella, pili, fimbriae) Macroscopic morphology: traits that assessed with naked eye useful for diagnosis.
