Oct 13, 2023 | Knowledge Hub, Microbiology
Serum-biomarkers of infection such as CRP and ESR and synovial fluid leucocyte count and neutrophil percentage are useful tests to support the diagnosis of PJI. However, it is important to define the infecting micro-organism to direct antimicrobial therapy....
Oct 5, 2023 | Knowledge Hub, Microbiology
In the past, our knowledge of the epidemiology of infective diarrhoea in routine clinical practice, was incomplete because the traditional methods of microscopy and culture are insensitive and detect only a limited range of pathogens. The introduction of a more...
Oct 2, 2023 | Knowledge Hub, Microbiology
Pertussis is a highly infectious respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. It remains endemic in all countries, despite high vaccine coverage. Epidemic cycles are reported every 3 to 5 years. It affects people of all ages; however, young, unimmunised or...
Aug 11, 2023 | Knowledge Hub, Microbiology
Influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and SARS-CoV-2 – Influenza A detection rates continued to decline during July, dropping below 2% in week 30 (week ending 30 July). – Influenza B percentage positivity has remained below 1% throughout 2023 thus far. ...
Jul 19, 2023 | Knowledge Hub, Microbiology
Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) is an intravascular parasitic infection caused by flukes (trematodes) of the genus Schistosoma. Both S. haematobium and S. mansoni are endemic in South Africa in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, northern and eastern parts of Gauteng provinces and the...
Jun 26, 2023 | Knowledge Hub, Microbiology
Seasonal influenza is caused by influenza viruses which circulate worldwide, resulting in acute respiratory disease, predominantly during the winter months. Influenza virus is an enveloped virus with a segmented RNA genome. Laboratory and surveillance reports state...
