The Presence of Fungus in Patient Specimens Can Be Detected

Question

The presence of fungus in patient specimens can be detected by the ________ test.
A) direct fluorescent antibody
B) indirect fluorescent antibody
C) hemagglutination
D) complement fixation
E) ELISA

Accepted Answer

The direct fluorescent antibody test is commonly used to detect the presence of fungal antigens in patient specimens. This method involves the use of fluorescent antibodies specific to the fungal antigen of interest, which bind to the antigen and emit fluorescence when exposed to a specific wavelength of light. This allows for easy visualization and identification of the fungal antigen present in the specimen. The other tests listed are not typically used to detect fungal infections, but rather are used to detect the presence of other pathogens such as viruses or bacteria.