Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Diagnostic Techniques

Current techniques for rapid diagnosis of microbial infections by direct detection of the microbial agent include enzyme immunoassay (EIA) tests, immunofluorescence, latex agglutination assays, and nucleic acid hybridization procedures  for the near future, the preferred methods for rapid diagnosis will be by (1) EIA tests utilizing monoclonal antibodies and improved enzyme detection systems, and (2) improved latex agglutination procedures for certain antigens.