Page 120 - MNU-PM503 Parasitology practical book

Pharm D- Clinical Pharmacy Program Third Level Parasitology and virology (PM501)

• With the advancements in molecular methodologies, electron microscopy is

becoming less widely used.

• Viruses may be detected in the following specimens.

Samples Examples
Faeces Rotavirus, Adenovirus
Norwalk like viruses
Astrovirus, Calicivirus
Vesicle Fluid HSV
VZV
Skin scrapings papillomavirus, orf
molluscum contagiosum

Electronmicrographs

Adenovirus Rotavirus

(courtesy of Linda Stannard, University of Cape Town, S.A.)

C- Immune Electron Microscopy

• The sensitivity and specificity of electron microscope may be enhanced by

immune electron microscopy.

• With this technique the sample is incubated with an antibody against the virus

of interest and the antibody-antigen reaction results in clumps of the virus,

which allows for easier visualization.
107