Microbiology

![Image: A confocal microscope analysis of biofilms formed by the fungus Candida tropicalis(CT) alone or in combination with bacteria E. coli(EC) and/or Serratia marcescens(SM). (A) Side view of biofilms formed by [C. tropicalis + E. coli + S. marcescens], or [C. tropicalis + S. marcescens], or [C. tropicalis + E. coli], or C. tropicalis alone, or S. marcescens alone, or E. coli alone. (B) Bar graph showing mean thickness of biofilms (Photo courtesy of mBio). Image: A confocal microscope analysis of biofilms formed by the fungus Candida tropicalis(CT) alone or in combination with bacteria E. coli(EC) and/or Serratia marcescens(SM). (A) Side view of biofilms formed by [C. tropicalis + E. coli + S. marcescens], or [C. tropicalis + S. marcescens], or [C. tropicalis + E. coli], or C. tropicalis alone, or S. marcescens alone, or E. coli alone. (B) Bar graph showing mean thickness of biofilms (Photo courtesy of mBio).](https://globetechcdn.com/mobile_labmedica/images/stories/articles/article_images/2016-10-18/MMS-126.jpg)
Fungus Identified As Key Factor in Crohn’s Disease
Researchers have for the first time identified a fungus, Candida tropicalis, as a key factor in the development of Crohn’s disease in humans. They have also linked a new bacterium to the bacteria previously associated with Crohn’s. The groundbreaking findings could facilitate development of new treatments and ultimately cures for the debilitating inflammatory bowel disease More...18 Oct 2016

Rapid Adaptation of Aspergillus Presents Doctors with Dilemma
Aspergillus fumigatus causes a range of diseases in human beings, some of which are characterized by fungal persistence and the fungus can persist by adapting to the human lung environment through physiological and genomic changes. More...14 Oct 2016

UTI Testing Technology Cuts Screening Time Significantly
Most urinary tract infections (UTI) are mild, but serious cases can lead to hospitalization and at worst, bacteria can enter the bloodstream causing urosepsis, a life-threatening condition. In this case antibiotics are vital and must be given immediately. More...12 Oct 2016

Field Test Allows Rapid Diagnosis of Chikungunya Virus Infection
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection causes symptoms that are similar to Dengue and Zika as well as other viral diseases, including influenza and accurate diagnosis of CHIKV is important for effective outbreak responses, including patient management and mosquito control. More...12 Oct 2016

Anti-Treponema Immunohistochemistry Cross-Reactivity Reported with Non-Treponema Spirochetes
Syphilis has different histopathologic presentations, and it can mimic a significant number of entities while human intestinal spirochetosis is characterized by the presence of a layer of spirochetes adherent to the apical epithelial surface of the colorectal mucosa. More...12 Oct 2016

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The LabMedica Microbiology channel provides the latest news in the fields of epidemiology, bacteriology, virology, and parasitology, all viewed from the unique perspective of Laboratory Medicine.