serological techniques

What is seroconversion?

Seroconversion occurs when antibody is produced in response to a primary infection.

How is seroconversion detected?

It is indicated by a fourfold increase in the antibody titer between serum obtained during the acute phase and the convalescent phase.

What are the two categories of antibodies used in microbiology?

Polyclonal and Monoclonal antibodies.

What does a positive result in a Latex Agglutination test indicate?

Agglutination, or particulates forming, indicates a positive reaction.

What happens in an ELISA?

An ELISA uses an antigen immobilized on a surface to capture and separate specific antibodies from a patient's sample.

What are the four basic elements of ELISA?

Coating/capture, plate blocking, probing/detection, and signal measurement.

What does a non-competitive ELISA detect?

It is used for detecting the presence of antibodies to infections.

What indicates an active infection in a Sandwich ELISA?

The presence of a target antigen bound to the capture antibody.

What happens in a Competitive ELISA?

The presence of antibody in the patient's serum stops the reaction, and the amount of color change is inversely proportional to the amount of antibody.

What is the primary receptor for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)?

The receptor for the C3d component of the complement system expressed on B cells.

What are the classic symptoms of infectious mononucleosis?

Lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, exudative pharyngitis, high fever, malaise, and hepatosplenomegaly.

How can one distinguish between a primary infection and a persistent infection of EBV?

By looking at the types of antibodies that can be detected in the patient's sample.

What antigen/antibody combinations indicate a previous EBV infection?

Presence of both VCA and EBNA antibodies in serum.

What role does the T-cell play in EBV infection?

Generation of antibody to EBNA requires lysis of the infected cell and indicates T-cell control of active disease.