Applied Serology

Modules
3 ECTS-credits
English

Over de opleiding

Algemene informatie

This module deals with serological tests as useful tools in the diagnosis and epidemiological studies of infectious and parasitic diseases. It is offered in a blended format: web-based (distance learning) training and 1 week practical bench training at the University of Pretoria.

Leerdoelstellingen

Define what an antibody and antigen is and how their structure is related to function.
Understand the characteristics and functions of the different antibody types/classes: IgG; IgM; IgA, IgD; and IgE.
Understand the common serological tests (direct and indirect fluorescent antibody tests, indirect ELISA) and the principals that they work on.
Understand the principles underlying the use of conjugated antibodies (antibodies linked to dyes or enzymes) for the detection of antibody or antigen in either serum or tissues utilizing immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting techniques.
Prepare a serial dilution of serum specimens for the determination of antibody titres by means of the IFA test.
Prepare virus-infected cells for the production of capture antigen slides for use in viral serology.
Apply knowledge of the ELISA antibody response curve to estimate antibody content from a single serum dilution tested in an indirect ELISA.
Stain virus-infected cell cultures in plastic plates with FA conjugates to identify viruses.
Perform an indirect ELISA, an indirect sandwich (capture) ELISA and a competitive ELISA.