The Direct Detection of Microorganisms in Clinical Samples

The Direct Detection of Microorganisms in Clinical Samples focuses on the most practical and widely used procedures for direct detection of microorganism in clinical specimens. It considers application to virology, mycology, and bacteriology. Organized into three parts, the book begins with established techniques for visualization of intact organism in clinical samples. The book then deals with immunologic techniques for detecting soluble microbial antigens. The last part considers diverse non-immunologic methods for detecting soluble constituents of organisms and their metabolites. Clinical microbiologists, infectious disease clinicians and researchers, and individuals working in analogous areas will find this book invaluable.

ContributorsForewordPrefaceI. Visualization of Organisms in Clinical Samples 1. Microscopy in the Detection of Bacteria I. Introduction II. General Uses for Gram's Stain III. Usefulness of Diagnostic Microscopy in Particular Types of Specimens or Infectious Processes IV. Wounds, Abcesses, and Exudates V. Conclusions References 2. Microscopic Preparations for Detecting Fungi in Clinical Materials I. Role of Microscopic Techniques in Detecting Fungi in Clinical Specimens II. Methods for Visualizing Fungi in Clinical Materials III. Examples of Fungi in Clinical Materials References 3. Direct Immunofluorescence Identification of Bacteria in Clinical Specimens I. Introduction II. Important Factors in the Performance of a Test III. Identification of Bacteria in Clinical Specimens IV. Selection of Rapid Diagnostic Tests References 4. Immunofluorescence in Viral Diagnosis I. Introduction II. Theory of the Method III. Reagents IV. Staining Method V. Fluorescence Microscope VI. Collection and Preparation of Specimens: Reading of Slides VII. Use of Controls VIII. Interpretation of Findings: Practical Aspects ReferencesII. Immunologic Methods for Detecting Soluble Antigens 5. Procedures for the Detection of Microorganisms by Counterimmunoelectrophoresis I. Introduction II. Principle III. Variables IV. Procedure for Counterimmunoelectrophoresis of Spinal Fluid, Serum, Urine, and Other Body Fluids V. Clinical Applications of CIE References 6. Application of Counterimmunoelectrophoresis to the Diagnosis of Meningitis I. Introduction II Meningococcal Meningitis III. Haemophilus influenzae Meningitis IV. Pneumococcal Meningitis V. Group B Streptococcal Meningitis VI. Escherichia coli Meningitis VII. Conclusion References 7. Counterimmunoelectrophoresis for the Diagnosis of Pneumococcal Respiratory and Other Infect I. Introduction II. Summary of the Principles of Counterimmunoelectrophoresis III. Counterimmunoelectrophoresis Methods in Pneumococcal Infections IV. Detection of Antigen in Clinical Samples V. Perspective References 8. Counterimmunoelectrophoresis for the Diagnosis of Intrapleural Empyema I. Introduction II. Methods References 9. Problems with Precipitin Methods for Detecting Antigenemia in Bacterial Infections I. Introduction II. Variables in the Detection of Antigenemia III. Future Trends References 10. Evaluation of Counterimmunoelectrophoresis in the Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases I. Introduction II. Counterimmunoelectrophoresis as the Test of Choice III. Use of Counterimmunoelectrophoresis in Early Diagnosis IV. Culture-Negative Diagnosis V. Identification of Pathogens in the Presence of Mixed Flora VI. Discussion References 11. Agglutination Techniques for the Detection of Microbial Antigens: Methodology and Overview I. Principles of Agglutination II. Advantages and Disadvantages of Agglutination for Antigen Detection III. Future Prospects References 12. Agglutination Tests for the Diagnosis of Meningitis I. Introduction II. Antigen Determinants III. Antibody Determinants IV. Specificity of Agglutination Tests References 13.Diagnosis of Pneumonia by Agglutination Techniques I. Introduction II. Coagglutination in Pneumonia III. Comparison of Coagglutination and Counterimmunoelectrophoresis IV.