ORAL REVALIDA Flashcards
(58 cards)
What is Streptolysin O?
Streptolysin O is a hemolytic toxin produced by Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (S. pyogenes). It is oxygen-labile, meaning it is inactivated by oxygen
What is the difference between Streptolysin O and Streptolysin S?
• Streptolysin O is oxygen-labile, only active in a reduced state, and is antigenic (stimulates ASO antibodies).
•Streptolysin S is oxygen-stable, active in both reduced and oxidized conditions, and is non-antigenic (no antistreptolysin S test).
What are the three types of hemolysis in Streptococcus species?
- Beta-hemolysis – Complete hemolysis (clear zone on blood agar).
- Alpha-hemolysis – Partial hemolysis (greenish discoloration).
- Gamma-hemolysis – No hemolysis.
How do you differentiate Group A from Group B beta-hemolytic streptococci?
• Group A (S. pyogenes): Bacitracin-sensitive, CAMP-negative.
• Group B (S. agalactiae): Bacitracin-resistant, CAMP-positive.
What test differentiates S. pneumoniae from Viridans Streptococcus?
Optochin Test:
• S. pneumoniae: Optochin-sensitive, bile-soluble.
• Viridans Strep: Optochin-resistant, bile-insoluble.
Why is the ASO test important?
The Anti-Streptolysin O (ASO) test detects antibodies against Streptolysin O. It helps diagnose post-streptococcal complications like rheumatic fever and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.
What does a high ASO titer indicate?
A recent or past Streptococcus pyogenes infection, which could lead to complications such as rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis.
What enzymes are produced by Group A Streptococcus?
- DNAse – Breaks down DNA, aids in chromatin breakdown during apoptosis/necrosis.
- Streptokinase – Causes complete hemolysis on blood agar by breaking down blood clots.
What is Anti-Streptolysin O (ASO)?
ASO is a neutralizing antibody produced after a Streptococcus pyogenes infection. It binds to and neutralizes the hemolytic activity of Streptolysin O (SLO).
When does ASO appear in the blood after infection?
ASO appears in serum 1 week to 1 month after a streptococcal infection.
What are the normal values (NV) for ASO titer?
• Children: <150 U/mL
• Adults: <200 U/mL
What is the incubation period for ASO production?
Around 2 weeks after infection. It peaks at 5 weeks.
What is the ASO test used for?
To diagnose post-streptococcal conditions such as:
• Rheumatic fever
• Glomerulonephritis
What is the timeline for ASO antibody levels?
• Rises after 1 to 3 weeks of infection.
• Peaks at 3 to 5 weeks.
• Declines to insignificant levels by 6 months.
• Persistent high levels suggest recurrent or chronic infection.
How does ASO inhibit Streptolysin O?
ASO binds to Streptolysin O and prevents its hemolytic activity
How is ASO titer estimated?
By diluting the patient’s serum in the presence of a constant amount of Streptolysin O until hemolysis is completely prevented.
What does the ASO level depend on?
The amount of Streptolysin O produced by Streptococcus pyogenes in the infected host.
What are the commercially available ASO tests?
- ASO Latex Slide Test – Used for rapid screening of high ASO titers.
- ASO Titration Test – Determines the exact titer of ASO antibody.
What is the principle of the Rapid ASO Latex Agglutination Test?
ASO antibodies in the patient’s serum react with latex particles coated with Streptolysin O antigen, causing visible agglutination.
What type of specimen is required for the ASO test?
Clear, hemolysis-free serum. because the test measures antibodies specifically anti streptolysin O which are present in the serum
How should ASO reagents be stored?
• Keep refrigerated at 2–8°C.
• DO NOT freeze.
• Reagents are stable until the expiration date.
What should ASO latex reagent look like after shaking?
It should be uniform without visible clumping. Slight sedimentation when refrigerated is normal.
When should ASO reagents or controls not be used?
When they show contamination or visible clumping after shaking
How should the serum sample be stored?
• If testing the same day → Keep at 2–8°C.
• If not tested within 7 days → Store at -20°C.
• For longer periods → Must be frozen.