Model Answers Microbiology Written examinations 2007 - RCPA

Serological methods for detection of deep seated mycoses.
1. List of deep seated mycoses. Candida sp, paracoccidiomycosis,
histoplasmosis, zygomycosis including mucormycoses eg mucor, rhizopus,
phycomycoses , aspergillosis. The type of mycosis will depend on the
geographical region as some strains are very location dependent.
2. Occurrence: Many of these infections occur in immunocompromised patients
so the detection of IgM and Ig G antibodies is unreliable even if there were
good antigens available to detect antibodies produced against these organisms.
3. Serology is defined as the detection of antibodies or antigens in serum
4. Commercial serological tests available: Candida antibodies latex
agglutination) , galactomannin (detecting aspergillus antigen EIA),
Histoplasma antibodies (CF), western blot,
Microbial hazards associated with use of rain water tanks
Airborne microbes and chemicals can enter rainwater tanks via water collection
processes either directly from the atmosphere or indirectly by leaching of materials
from water collection surfaces animal excreta, debris and organic waste can also
accumulate. Biofilm will form when the concentration of dissolved organics falls
below 25mg/L. these develop complexity in time and they may assist in removing
contaminants but there has been little work undertaken to examine this. There is
current research starting to examine this issue.
Microbes found in water tanks are likely to survive because of the lack of inhibiting
substances, eg chlorine, the absence of filters and the leaching of bird and animal
excreta which may contain enteric bacteria such as salmonella, campylobacter and
parasites such as Giardia, cryptosporidium
Also risk of breeding of mosquitoes spreading dengue, malaria, RRV, BF, other
arbovirus infections.
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