Service provided by Bacteriology Section

Additional tests which are necessary in theidentification of bacteria are: the Gramstain, catalase, oxidase, oxidativefermentativeand biochemical sugars testsamong others. These procedures are alldiligently performed by the analysts in theGeneral Diagnostics unit.Other diagnostic techniques employed inthe unit include microscopy, mouseinoculation tests and FAT. For certainbacteria, such as Bacillus anthracis, withunique identifying features theirmorphology can be readily confirmedunder the microscope.Diseases tested for are those caused byinfectious agents of Bacterial origin suchas;• Pasteurellosis• Enterotoxaemia• Anthax• Back quarter• Salmonellosis• Collibacillosis• Campylobacteriosis•• Ringworm• Other Fungal diseasesFig.1 Analyst preparing a plate for cultureSerology UnitThe test complement for Serology unit ismade up of:• Complement Fixation Test (CFT)and culture for CBPP• Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT)and CFT for Brucellosis• CFT for Glanders was recentlyintroduced• ELISA and culture for AvianMycoplasmasFig.2 Analyst performing a serological testA particularly exciting development for theserology unit in the past year has been thegaining of an accreditation to ISO 17025standard by the South African NationalAccreditation Scheme (SANAS) for theCFT for CBPP. It effectively guaranteesthe quality of results produced and placesthe NVL in a good position in its bid tobecome the regional reference laboratoryfor CBPP testing.