Elek's test
Elek's Test
Elek's test (pronounced: eh-lek's test) is a diagnostic procedure used in the field of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. It is primarily used to detect the production of diphtheria toxin by Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
Etymology
The test is named after the Hungarian physician, Oszkár Elek, who first described the method in 1949.
Procedure
The Elek's test involves the inoculation of a culture medium with a strain of Corynebacterium diphtheriae. A strip of filter paper impregnated with diphtheria antitoxin is then placed on the surface of the medium. If the strain is toxigenic, a precipitation line (Elek's line) forms perpendicular to the antitoxin strip, indicating the presence of the diphtheria toxin.
Related Terms
- Corynebacterium diphtheriae: The bacterium that causes diphtheria.
- Diphtheria: An infectious disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
- Toxin: A poisonous substance produced within living cells or organisms.
- Antitoxin: An antibody that can neutralize a specific toxin.
See Also
- Schick test: Another test used to determine susceptibility to diphtheria.
- Microbiology: The study of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, archaea, fungi and protozoa.
- Infectious Diseases: Diseases caused by organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Elek's test
- Wikipedia's article - Elek's test
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