NITROCEFIN TEST FOR BETA-LACTAMASE PRODUCTION

The production of beta-lactamase enzymes by Gram negative bacteria including E. coli, P. aeruginosa and Klebsiella species is an important mechanism by which the organisms evade both in vivo and in vitro antimicrobial onslaught. Beta-lactamase production by resistant test isolates can be evaluated for beta-lactamase production using the Nitrocefin test sticks (Oxoid, UK). The nitrocefin […]

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Antibiotic Resistance / Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Pharmaceutical Microbiology, , ,

WAYS TO SEPARATE DNA FROM OTHER CELLULAR MATERIALS: BINDING AND WASHING

When phenol or a mixture of phenol:chloroform is mixed with a  cell Lysate, two phases form: an aqueous and an organic phase. The polar DNA partitions into the polar or “aqueous phase”, and denatured proteins and other cellular debris partition into the organic phase. Salts are thought to dehydrate proteins, causing them to become less

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Biotechnology, Molecular Microbiology, ,

Vancomycin resistance in Enterococci

Enterococcus (plural: Enterococci) is a group of bacteria that is normally found in the intestines of humans and many animals. Two species of Enterococci, which are found in the body of healthy individuals, are Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium. Both E. faecalis and E. faecium are associated with human diseases; and they are mostly involved

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Antibiotic Resistance / Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Pharmaceutical Microbiology, , , , , ,

TYPES OF SOLID SUPPORT FOR BINDING DNA

The types of solid support for binding DNA are as follows: 1. Silica Matrix Silica Matrix is a solid support for binding DNA. DNA binds to silica in the presence of high concentrations of chaotropic salts (e.g., guanidium HCL), but protein does not. Salts can be removed with an alcohol-based wash and DNA eluted in

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Molecular Microbiology, , , ,

What are ESBLs?

ESBLs (extended spectrum beta-lactamases) are enzymes that mediate resistance to extended-spectrum (third generation) cephalosporins (e.g., ceftazidime, cefotaxime, and ceftriaxone) and monobactams (e.g., aztreonam) but do not affect cephamycins (e.g., cefoxitin and cefotetan) or carbapenems (e.g., meropenem or imipenem). Why should hospital laboratories and hospitals be concerned about detecting ESBL-producing bacteria? The presence of an ESBL-producing

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Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Antibiotic Resistance / Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), , ,

What is a stem cell?

A stem cell is a cell with the unique ability to develop into specialised cell types in the body. In the future they may be used to replace cells and tissues that have been damaged or lost due to disease. Figure 1 is an illustration showing a stem cell giving rise to more stem cells or specialised

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Cell Culture Notes, Immunology & Immune System, , , , , ,

WHO Global Principles for the Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance in Animals Intended for Food

Purpose: To minimize the negative public health impact of the use of antimicrobial agents in food-producing animals whilst at the same time providing for their safe and effective use in veterinary medicine. General 1. National governments should adopt a proactive approach to reduce the need for antimicrobials in animals and their contribution to antimicrobial resistance

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Antibiotic Resistance / Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Pharmaceutical Microbiology, ,

DIAGNOSTIC VIRUS ASSAYS

Diagnostic methods accurately identify viral infections in patients. This is a prerequisite to control and limit virus propagation through an effective clinical management of the disease. A precise identification of the ongoing or past viral infection helps to achieve the following: Failure in diagnosis can lead to significant human and financial loss. This is why it

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Virology, , , , , , , , , ,

ECHINOCOCCOSIS(HYDATIDOSIS, OR HYDATID DISEASE)

BIOLOGY AND CAUSATIVE AGENTS OF ECHINOCOCOCCUS Human echinococcosis (hydatidosis, or hydatid disease) is caused by the larval stages of cestodes (tapeworms) of the genus Echinococcus. Echinococcus granulosus (sensu lato) causes cystic echinococcosis and is the form most frequently encountered. Another species, E. multilocularis, causes alveolar echinococcosis, and is becoming increasingly more common. Two exclusively New

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Public Health & Parasitic Diseases (Parasitology), , , ,