QUELLUNG REACTION Meaning and
Definition
-
The Quellung reaction, also known as the capsular swelling reaction, is a laboratory technique used to identify the presence of specific bacterial capsules. It is named after Hans Quellung, the German physician who first described this phenomenon in 1899. This reaction is mainly applied in microbiology and immunology to determine the serotype of pathogenic bacteria, particularly the encapsulated species.
The Quellung reaction involves a process in which specific antibodies are utilized to recognize and bind to the protective capsules surrounding bacteria. These capsules are composed of complex polysaccharides that give the bacteria their characteristic slimy appearance. When the antibodies interact with their specific target capsules, the resulting immune complex leads to the swelling or enlargement of the capsule, facilitating its visualization under a microscope.
To perform the Quellung reaction, a specimen containing the bacteria of interest is mixed with specific antibodies that will bind to the capsule. After incubation, a drop of the mixture is placed on a microscope slide and analyzed under high magnification. The presence of a swollen capsule indicates a positive reaction, indicating the presence of the targeted bacterial serotype.
The Quellung reaction is particularly valuable in the identification and classification of encapsulated bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria meningitidis, which are responsible for various infections, including pneumonia, meningitis, and septicemia. It has significantly contributed to the understanding and prevention of infectious diseases, as it allows for accurate identification of bacterial strains and supports the selection of appropriate antibiotics for treatment strategies.
Common Misspellings for QUELLUNG REACTION
- 1uellung reaction
- 2uellung reaction
- wuellung reaction
- auellung reaction
- qyellung reaction
- qhellung reaction
- qjellung reaction
- qiellung reaction
- q8ellung reaction
- q7ellung reaction
- quwllung reaction
- qusllung reaction
- qudllung reaction
- qurllung reaction
- qu4llung reaction
- qu3llung reaction
- queklung reaction
- queplung reaction
- queolung reaction
Etymology of QUELLUNG REACTION
The term "Quellung Reaction" comes from the German word "quellen", which means "to swell" or "to expand", and "reaktion", which means "reaction". The etymology of the term is attributed to the German physician and bacteriologist, Rudolf Otto Neisser. He introduced this term in the late 19th century to describe a phenomenon observed when certain bacteria associated with pneumonia caused a distinctive swelling and capsule formation when exposed to specific antisera, which are antibodies targeted against a particular pathogen. Consequently, the term "Quellung Reaction" was coined to describe this visible reaction of bacterial capsules swelling or enlarging when mixed with appropriate antisera, hence the name.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
