General Microbiology

ANTIGEN-ANTIBODY REACTIONS Affinity of the antigen-antibody reaction refers to the intensity of the attraction between antigen and antibody molecule. Antigen-antibody reactions Reaction test            Modified test Precipitation  -> Immunoelectrophoresis, Immunoprecipitation Agglutination -> Latex agglutination, Indirect, Haemagglutination , Coagglutination ,Coombs test Neutralization&n…

INNATE (NON-SPECIFIC) IMMUNITY The elements of the innate (non-specific) immune system include anatomical barriers, secretory molecules and cellular components.  Among the mechanical anatomical barriers are the skin and internal epithelial layers, the movement of the intestines and the oscillation of broncho-pulmonary cilia.  Associated with these protective surfaces are chemical and biological agents. A. Anatomical barriers to infections 1.…

Immunology: The branch of life science which deals with immune reaction is known as immunology. Components of Immune System: The immune system consists of a network of diverse organs and tissue which vary structurally as well as functionally from each other. These organs remain spreaded throughout the body. Basically, immune system is a complex network of lymphoid organs, tissues and cells. These lym­phoid organs can be categorized under three types …

DISINFECTION AND STERILIZATION •    Sterilization is the best destruction or com removal_of all forms of micro organisms. •    Disinfection is the destruction of many microorganisms but usually the b spores. •    Antisepsis is the destruction or inhibition of microorganisms in living tissues thereby limiting or preventing the harmful effect of infection. •    Astatic Agent  wo…

MICROBIAL VIRULENCE FACTORS  Microbial virulence factors are gene products required for a microbial pathogen to establish itself in the host. These gene products are located on the bacterial chromosome, or on mobile genetic elements, such as plasmids or transposons. Primary pathogens express virulence factors that allow them to cause disease in the normal  host. Opportunistic pathogens are environmental organisms or normal flora that lack the…