Serology in the Diagnosis of Microbial Infections

Serology Serological tests otherwise referred to as serological procedures, which are carried out on blood serum samples have been recognized as some of the most efficient methods of diagnosing microbial infections. The main role of serological tests, as described by Richardson and Warnock (2012), is to detect specific antibodies and other antibody-like substances that can be associated with the disease or diseases an individual is suffering from. Some of the main serological tests that are widely made use of across the world include: Flocculation tests, fluorescent antibodies, neutralization tests complement fixation, and hemaglutinin inhibition tests among others.

Flocculation tests are based on precipitation that occurs when specially prepared antigens come into contact with antigens. Neutralization, on the other hand, is dependent on the ability of antibodies to reduce the effect of infectious characteristics of microorganisms

Buy this excellently written paper or order a fresh one from acemyhomework.com

SEROLOGY

2

(Richardson & Warnock, 2012). Hemagglutinin-inhibition tests depend on the capacity of antibodies to inhibit agglutination of red blood cells that occurs due to presence of certain viruses (Kale & Gokhale, 2008). In serological tests, blood is drawn from the veins with a syringe and then an analysis is carried out in the laboratory to determine whether there will be reaction between antigens and antibodies. The type of serology test to be used is selected in accordance with the suspected types of antibodies (Fry et al, 2004).

There are advantages as well as disadvantages associated with the use of various serological tests. Neutralization, for instance, which employs the principle of neutralizing the effectiveness of toxins even though rarely used, is highly beneficial in detection of antibodies following vaccination (Richardson & Warnock, 2012). The other serological test, particle agglutination, is relatively easy and also fast. This test is greatly beneficial in detection of antibodies as well as viruses following vaccination. Immunofluorescence, on the other hand, even though a highly significant laboratory test is a bit complicated as it involves the use of a microscope that can offer ultraviolet illumination (Kale & Gokhale, 2008).

In immunofluorescence, labeling of monoclonal antibodies can be done with a fluorescent dye in order to identify specific antigens. It is however unfortunate that a large number of healthcare facilities are not equipped with these types of microscopes. Albeit flocculation tests being beneficial in diagnosis of treponemal infections, some of the disadvantages associated with it are that it calls for fresh daily preparation of antigens and also it requires for the specimen to be heated before tests are carried out (Nesteroff, 2004). Flocculation tests cannot be used for testing of cerebral spinal fluids due to low specificity and sensitivity.

Hemagglutinin-inhibition tests, even though their sensitivity is higher than that of complementfixation, are less sensitive as compared to other tests; they are however easier to conduct. They

SEROLOGY

3

also require agents that are easily available in addition to inexpensive equipments (Kale & Gokhale, 2008).

There are a variety of infections that can be detected through the use of serological tests.

Some of these infections include poliomyelitis, rheumatoid arthritis, measles, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, influenza, and infectious mononucleosis in addition to yellow fever among others.

One of the benefits associated with the use of serological tests for diagnosis of these infections is that these tests are faster and accurate as compared to other types of tests (Richardson & Warnock, 2012). For instance, whereas in diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis cultivation may take even days to generate results, serological tests have been shown to take as little as a few minutes.

Research has also revealed that there is a higher probability of obtaining false results if other diagnostic tests, such as cultivation, are used in place of serological tests (Richardson & Warnock, 2012).

SEROLOGY

4 References

Fry, N. K., et al., (2004). Laboratory diagnosis of pertussis infections: the role of PCR and serology. Journal of Medical Microbiology, 53(6), 519-525.

Kale, S. R., & Gokhale, S. B. (2008). Biotechnology and fermentation process. Mahwah, NJ: Osprey Publishing.

Nesteroff, S. (2004). Serology-syphilis. Serology, 1(1), 1-14.

Richardson, M., & Warnock, R. D. (2012). Fungal infection: Diagnosis and management. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons.