What are the basic shapes of bacteria?
Bacteria are classified into five groups according to their basic shapes: spherical (cocci), rod (bacilli), spiral (spirilla), comma (vibrios) or corkscrew (spirochaetes). They can exist as single cells, in pairs, chains or clusters.
How do you identify bacteria?
When identifying bacteria in the laboratory, the following characteristics are used: Gram staining, shape, presence of a capsule, bonding tendency, motility, respiration, growth medium, and whether it is intra- or extracellular.
What tests are used to identify bacteria?
Tests used to identify Gram Positive Bacteria
- Catalase Test.
- Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA)
- Blood Agar Plates (BAP) Streak-stab technique.
- Taxos P (optochin sensitivity testing)
- Taxos A (bacitracin sensitivity testing)
- CAMP Test.
- Bile Esculin Agar.
- Nitrate Broth.
How do you identify an unknown bacteria?
If you have an unknown bacteria and you want to identify it, you’ll typically perform a gram stain and then observe the colony appearance and the individual features. At that point, you can say you have, for example, a gram-negative, aerobic streptobacilli.
How do you detect pathogens?
Established methods in pathogen detection. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), culture and colony counting methods as well as immunology-based methods are the most common tools used for pathogen detection. They involve DNA analysis, counting of bacteria and antigen–antibody interactions, respectively.
What are the 5 most common pathogens?
A variety of microorganisms can cause disease. Pathogenic organisms are of five main types: viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and worms. Some common pathogens in each group are listed in the column on the right.
How can you detect a pathogen in water?
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is one of the most commonly used molecular-based methods for detection of waterborne pathogens [28].
Can pathogens be detected in food?
Rapid detection methods are important, particularly in food industry, as they are able to detect the presence of pathogens in raw and processed foods immediately. Rapid methods are also sensitive enough to detect pathogens that present in low numbers in the food.
What would you use to test for pathogens in food?
Toxic residues of bacteria in food and beverage samples can be analyzed with test kits for bacterial toxins. Common test formats for microbial food testing are ELISA assays, real-time PCR tests, nutrient plates and agar plates. For detection of pathogenic bacteria, immunological based methods (ELISA) are available.
How do you detect a foodborne illness?
By conducting a thorough history and physical exam, and ordering appropriate lab tests, you can narrow the diagnosis and appropriate treatment. A number of diagnostic tests—such as a stool culture, blood test, or examination for parasites—are available to help you determine the cause of a suspected foodborne illness.
What is the most effective method of eliminating foodborne pathogens?
… The best way to eliminate pathogens from fresh produce is to prevent contamination, since washing, even with disinfectants, cannot eliminate pathogens; rather it will only reduce them (Parish et al., 2003) .
What is the most important factor in controlling bacteria?
Several factors affect the rate at which bacteria grow in food, but time and temperature are two of the most easily-controlled factors in a food service kitchen.
What are the 4 steps to reduce food borne illness?
Four Steps to Food Safety: Clean, Separate, Cook, Chill
- Germs that cause food poisoning can survive in many places and spread around your kitchen.
- Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and water before, during, and after preparing food and before eating.