Question

What lab CAT is M. tuberculosis?

Answer 1

M. tuberculosis is detected using Ziehl-Neelsen staining and cultured on Löwenstein-Jensen agar for confirmation. After growth and further testing, including nucleic acid hybridization, a diagnosis can be made, with treatment requiring an extended multi-drug course.

Step-by-step explanation:

M. tuberculosis is a prominent pathogen due to its causative role in tuberculosis (TB). The bacteria can be detected by the Ziehl-Neelsen staining, appearing red against a blue medium. This staining highlights the presence of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in the specimen, which may necessitate further culture on Löwenstein-Jensen agar to observe distinctive slow-growing colonies. Through nucleic acid hybridization or direct nucleic acid amplification testing, these colonies can be confirmed to be M. tuberculosis.

Immunofluorescence, using fluorochrome-labeled antibodies, offers an alternative diagnosis method. The mycolic acid-rich cell wall not only confirms their acid-fast characteristic but also presents a treatment challenge, emphasizing the need for a prolonged multi-drug regimen to combat the bacterium and address antibiotic resistance concerns.

Answer 2

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB), is classified as a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) pathogen. This designation reflects the potential risk to laboratory workers and the need for specific containment measures to prevent the accidental exposure or release of the bacteria.

BSL-3 laboratories are designed to handle and contain infectious agents that can cause serious or potentially lethal disease through inhalation. These facilities have specific engineering and administrative controls to ensure the safety of laboratory personnel and the surrounding community. Personnel working in BSL-3 laboratories receive specialized training, and access to these facilities is restricted.

In the context of diagnostic testing and research involving M. tuberculosis, strict adherence to BSL-3 containment practices and procedures is essential to prevent laboratory-acquired infections and the accidental release of the bacterium into the environment.