Question

How can an infection by a pathogen be detected?

Answer 1

Detecting infection caused by pathogens

The different ways in which an infection caused by a pathogen can be detected are as follows:

1. Microbial culture- The patient sample (fluid or diseased tissue) is collected and then tested for the presence of the pathogen causing the infection.
2. Microscopy- The pathogen will take up a different stain compared to a normal cell so this will help to identify if the pathogen is present in the person or not.
3. Biochemical tests- Certain enzymatic or metabolic products characteristic of the particular pathogen are tested to detect the infectious agent.
4. Molecular diagnostics- PCR helps to identify the presence and the abundance of the pathogen in an individual.
5. Symptomatic diagnosis- Certain symptoms characteristic of a particular disease help to identify that the person is infected with the particular pathogen.