Quellung Reaction (Noun)
Meaning
The swelling of the capsule surrounding a microorganism after reaction with an antibody; the basis of certain tests for identifying microorganisms; "pneumococcus quellung".
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- The Quellung reaction is a biochemical reaction used for the identification of Streptococcus pneumoniae by observing the swelling of the bacterial capsule.
- The Quellung reaction test is used to detect the presence of capsules in streptococcal pneumonias and helps identify pneumococci.
- A positive Quellung reaction is characterized by a evident swelling of the capsule, visible under the microscope.
- During a Quellung reaction, antibodies bind to the capsular polysaccharides, increasing the capsule's visibility under a microscope.
- To obtain accurate results, the Quellung reaction should be performed using a specific antiserum corresponding to the microorganism being tested.