Microbiology

Question 1

What does a hep panel test for?

Answer 1

Hep A-E - to identify viral causes of liver disease

Question 2

What infections are commonly tested in an STI screen?

Answer 2

Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, HIV, and Syphilis

Question 3

What is the role of blood cultures?

Answer 3

Detects bacteraemia or sepsis - crucial in patients with systemic infection signs

Question 4

What does urine microbiology assess?

Answer 4

UTI or urosepsis

Question 5

What are the differences in transmission of hep viruses?

Answer 5

A + E: Feco-oral (contaiminated food/water), usually acute

B, C + D: Blood, sexual contact, vertical transmission - can become chronic.

Question 6

What are the complications that arise from chronic hep b and c?

Answer 6

Cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver failure

Question 7

Why are STIs tested in systemic presentations?

Answer 7

Some STIs (e.g., HIV, syphilis) can cause systemic symptoms; STIs may also be asymptomatic but relevant to diagnosis and treatment safety.