Adama Public Health Research and Referral Laboratory center

29/01/2026

Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly pathogenic zoonotic virus belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family, known for causing severe respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis.

This illustration summarizes its enveloped structure, surface glycoproteins involved in host cell entry, and the negative-sense RNA genome encoding key structural and replication proteins.

Understanding NiV structure and genome organization is essential for studying viral replication, host interactions, diagnostics, and vaccine targets.

With repeated outbreaks and high case fatality rates, the Nipah virus remains a priority pathogen for global health surveillance, research, and preparedness efforts worldwide.

29/01/2026

🧪 BIOCHEMICAL TESTS IN MICROBIOLOGY :

A Key to Identifying Microorganisms

Biochemical tests are essential tools in microbiology. They help scientists and medical laboratory professionals identify and differentiate microorganisms based on their metabolic and enzymatic activities. These tests reveal how microbes utilize nutrients, produce enzymes, and survive in different environments—making them vital in clinical diagnostics, research, food safety, and pharmaceutical quality control.

🔬Why Biochemical Tests Are Important

* Identify bacterial species
* Differentiate closely related microorganisms
* Detect pathogenic organisms in clinical samples
* Ensure food, water, and pharmaceutical safety
* Support accurate antibiotic treatment decisions.
🧫 Common Biochemical Tests

▪Catalase Test
Detects the enzyme catalase. Bubble formation after adding hydrogen peroxide indicates a positive result.

▪Oxidase Test
Identifies the presence of cytochrome c oxidase. A purple or dark blue color indicates a positive reaction.

▪Indole Test
Determines the ability to break down tryptophan into indole. A red ring after adding Kovac’s reagent indicates a positive result.

▪Urease Test
Detects urease activity. A pink color indicates urea hydrolysis.

▪Citrate Utilization Test
Checks if bacteria can use citrate as the sole carbon source. Medium turning blue indicates a positive result.

▪TSI (Triple Sugar Iron) Test
Differentiates bacteria based on sugar fermentation and H₂S production. Color changes and gas formation help interpret results.

▪Coagulase Test
Detects coagulase enzyme. Clot formation indicates a positive test (commonly used for *Staphylococcus aureus*).

▪Motility Test
Determines if bacteria are motile. Diffused growth away from the stab line indicates motility.

▪ MR-VP Tests
Differentiate bacteria based on glucose fermentation pathways.

MR (Methyl Red): Detects stable acid production.

29/01/2026

Types of Biosafety Cabinets & Their Uses

What biosafety cabinets do 🧪
Biosafety cabinets are primary containment devices used in microbiology laboratories to protect staff, samples, and the environment from infectious agents.

Main classes 🔬

1. Class I Biosafety Cabinet
Protects personnel and the environment.
Does not protect the sample.
Used for low risk work where sterility is not required.

2. Class II Biosafety Cabinet
Protects personnel, product, and environment.
Uses vertical laminar airflow with HEPA filtration.
Standard cabinet for routine diagnostic microbiology and aerosol generating procedures.

3. Class III Biosafety Cabinet
Provides maximum containment.
Fully enclosed, gas tight glove box system.
Used for highly infectious and life threatening pathogens in high containment laboratories.

Key takeaway 📌
Class II is most commonly used in clinical labs, while Class III is reserved for maximum risk work.

27/01/2026

23/01/2026

14/12/2025

02/12/2025

is still one of the world’s deadliest health challenges — claiming over 44 million lives and counting.

But there is good news: we have new tools that can change the trajectory of the HIV epidemic. Lenacapavir — a long-acting injectable — is a game changer, shown to prevent almost all HIV infections among those at risk.

Now is the moment for global solidarity. I urge governments and partners to prioritize key and vulnerable populations, and make these life-changing tools accessible to everyone who needs them, everywhere.




https://x.com/who/status/1995269127997374961?s=46&t=KDOIfaXIKaCn1YuJftv2Cg

30/11/2025

Of-eeggannoof!

29/11/2025

CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Test
1. Objective:
The test was performed to measure the level of C-reactive protein in the blood, which helped assess inflammation, infection, or tissue injury.
2. Principle:
The test was based on immunoassay methods where CRP in the serum reacted with CRP-specific antibodies. This antigen-antibody reaction produced a measurable signal, such as turbidity or color change, which reflected the CRP concentration.
3. Materials:
• Patient serum sample
• CRP test kit (latex agglutination or automated immunoassay)
• Test tubes
• Pipettes
• Timer
• Analyzer (for quantitative tests)
4. Procedure:
1. The blood sample was collected and centrifuged to separate serum.
2. For latex agglutination, serum was mixed with CRP reagent on a slide.
3. The slide was rocked gently for the recommended time.
4. Agglutination was observed visually.
5. For quantitative tests, serum was loaded into an analyzer and CRP concentration was measured automatically.
5. Result:
• Positive/High: Increased CRP levels indicated inflammation, infection, or tissue damage.
• Normal/Low: Low CRP levels indicated no significant inflammation.
• Extremely high values suggested severe bacterial infections or systemic inflammatory response.
6. Uses:
• It was used to detect and monitor infections and inflammatory diseases.
• It helped assess severity of bacterial infections.
• It monitored treatment response in inflammatory conditions.
• It supported diagnosis in conditions like sepsis and autoimmune diseases.
7. Consultation:
Patients were advised to consult a physician if CRP levels were elevated. Further tests, imaging, or treatment were suggested based on the cause of inflammation.

29/11/2025

Identification of bacteria 🦠🦠 (Gram positive bacteria)

21/11/2025

KOH Mount Test
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1. Objective

The objective of the test was to detect fungal elements such as hyphae, spores, and yeast cells in clinical samples.

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2. Principle

The test was based on the ability of potassium hydroxide (KOH) to dissolve keratin and other tissue debris. This cleared the sample and allowed fungal structures, which resisted KOH, to be seen clearly under the microscope.

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3. Materials

Clinical sample (skin scrapings, nail clippings, hair, sputum, vaginal swab, etc.)

10–20% KOH solution

Clean glass slide and cover slip

Forceps or scalpel

Microscope

Dropper

Personal protective equipment

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4. Procedure (Microscopic Method)

1. A small portion of the sample was placed on a clean slide.

2. One or two drops of 10–20% KOH were added.

3. A cover slip was gently placed over the sample.

4. The slide was left for a few minutes so the KOH could digest the keratin.

5. The slide was examined under the microscope using low and high power.

6. Fungal elements such as hyphae, budding yeast, or spores were looked for.

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5. Result

Positive: Fungal hyphae, budding yeast, pseudohyphae, or spores were observed.

Negative: No fungal elements were seen.

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6. Uses

It was used to diagnose dermatophyte infections.

It helped detect Candida and other superficial fungal infections.

It provided a quick and inexpensive screening method.

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7. Consultation

The patient was advised to consult a dermatologist or physician if fungal elements were detected for proper treatment and follow-up.

21/11/2025

APHRRLC FEFTEEN YEARS MILESTONES!!!