Detection of Bordetella pertussis in nasopharyngeal specimens is commonly performed by which method?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $25.99Unlock all

Prepare for the NBME Microbiology Test. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each query comes with hints and detailed explanations. Ace your exam!

Multiple Choice

Detection of Bordetella pertussis in nasopharyngeal specimens is commonly performed by which method?

Explanation:
Nucleic acid amplification by PCR is the most reliable way to detect Bordetella pertussis in nasopharyngeal specimens. This organism is fastidious and often present in low numbers, so culture can be slow and insensitive, and Gram staining of nasopharyngeal samples is not dependable for identification. PCR directly detects bacterial DNA, providing rapid and highly sensitive results, especially in the early phase of illness when the bacterial load is highest. Urine antigen testing and blood culture are not standard methods for pertussis detection.

Nucleic acid amplification by PCR is the most reliable way to detect Bordetella pertussis in nasopharyngeal specimens. This organism is fastidious and often present in low numbers, so culture can be slow and insensitive, and Gram staining of nasopharyngeal samples is not dependable for identification. PCR directly detects bacterial DNA, providing rapid and highly sensitive results, especially in the early phase of illness when the bacterial load is highest. Urine antigen testing and blood culture are not standard methods for pertussis detection.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy