Wallach's Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests: Pathways to Arriving at a Clinical Diagnosis (1394 page)

   Commercially available molecular diagnostic methods have been developed for detection of MRSA carriage. These assays have been shown to be more sensitive for detection of MRSA carriage, but the clinical implication for detection of very low level MRSA carriage has not been clearly defined.

MICROSPORIDIA EXAMINATION

   Definition and Use

   This test is submitted for the evaluation of stool specimens in patients with diarrhea and risk for enteric parasite infection. It is used for the direct detection of the intracellular microsporidial parasitic pathogens.

   Permanent smears of diarrheal stool are stained with modified trichrome stains (chromotrope 2R) or similar stains.

   Fresh and preserved specimens are collected and transported to the laboratory according to recommendations for stool submitted for routine O & P examination.

   
Turnaround time:
24–72 hours.

   Interpretation

   
Expected results:
Negative.

   
Positive results:
Confirms a diagnosis of microsporidiosis in patients with compatible signs and symptoms.

   
Negative results:
A negative result does not rule out microsporidiosis. Multiple specimens may be required for diagnosis in infected patients.

Suggested Readings

CLSI.
Procedures for the Recovery and Identification of Parasites From the Intestinal Tract; Approved Guideline
, 2nd ed. Wayne, PA: Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute; 2005.

Garcia LS.
Diagnostic Parasitology
, 5th ed. Washington, DC: ASM Press; 2007.

MUMPS SEROLOGY SCREEN (MUMPS IgG AND IgM)

   Definition

   Mumps is a generalized illness characterized by fever and by inflammation and swelling of the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands. Mumps is usually not severe in children, but in the adults, the inflammation may involve the ovaries or testes (orchitis).