Here, I’ll share some information and photos of various tourist spots in Melbourne captured through the lens of my Sony RX 100 camera. These are just a few of the many places you can visit while on holiday in Melbourne.
There are plenty of things to do when vacationing in Melbourne, a city that has been chosen as the “Most Liveable City in the World” six times in a row.
One of the activities that especially satisfies an amateur photographer like me is exploring the city with my beloved Sony RX 100 pocket camera.
After all, it wouldn’t feel right not to wander around this city while hunting for photos.
Although I only spent five days in Melbourne, I managed to capture some unique moments of daily life in the city.
From the bustling activity at Flinders Railway Station to the harmony between Melbourne’s urban environment and its wildlife, and even the street performers’ shows.
Curious about what I captured? Read on to find out.
If you like any of the photos, feel free to share your reasons in the comment section below.
Flinders Railway Station
Whenever I visit a new place, I always look for a landmark to use as a reference point in case I get lost.
In Melbourne, Flinders Railway Station was my go-to landmark.
It quickly became one of my favorite spots in the city, and I found myself passing by it countless times.
Cycling Around Melbourne
If you enjoy cycling, Melbourne will feel like a paradise during your vacation.
The “Melbourne Bike Share” program, although not free, is a fun way to explore Melbourne’s CBD, which is quite compact.
You can find out how to rent a bike here.
Federation Square
Located not far from the Melbourne Visitor Center, right in front of Flinders Railway Station, separated only by Flinders Street.
This place is always lively from morning till night.
It might be one of the favorite spots for tourists visiting Melbourne, myself included.
It’s a pleasant place to sit, relax, and observe the vibrant life of Melbourne.
Harmony in Melbourne City
From the moment I first set foot in this continent, I was constantly amazed by one thing.
The harmony between this country and its wildlife.
For example, in this photo, I spotted two birds casually playing inside a shopping center above Southern Cross Station.
No one chased them away, and no one bothered them. This wasn’t the only time I encountered such a scene.
On several occasions, I witnessed how wildlife can indeed coexist peacefully with humans.
Melbourne Cat Cafe
If I hadn’t gotten lost, I might never have visited this cat cafe in Melbourne.
This is one of the tourist spots in Melbourne for cat lovers.
I stumbled upon this cat cafe while searching for the hotel I had booked in Melbourne.
Wherever I go, if there are cats, I’ll definitely stop by.
Since there’s a cat cafe in Melbourne, I couldn’t resist playing with the cute cats there.
Free Tram Ride
“Free” seems like a luxury word in Australia, where everything is expensive.
But believe it or not, Melbourne has a free public transportation facility for getting around the city.
Although the free rides are limited to the CBD city loop, it still helped me save on my travel budget during my time in Melbourne.
Mural Art in Hosier Lane, One of Melbourne’s Most Famous Attractions
There are many graffiti and paintings on the walls of buildings in this alley.
This is one of the tourist attractions in Melbourne that I highly recommend visiting.
If I may say so, this is one of the most artistic corners of Melbourne’s CBD.
Even though I don’t fully understand art, I somehow enjoyed the graffiti on the walls of Hosier Lane.
Especially since I couldn’t find anything like this in Sydney.
Melbourne CBD Street Art
Many people think of Australia as the land of dreams. A place where some people’s dreams can come true.
Becoming wealthy, living in an orderly country, living a dignified life as a respected human being.
But still, in one corner of the city, some people are struggling to survive with their random graffiti.
The State Library of Victoria, One of Melbourne’s Tourist Attractions
I miss being a student! Errr, but not writing the thesis or doing the practicals, haha!
What made me miss being a student was when I entered the State Library of Victoria.
As soon as I stepped inside, I felt an immediate sense of calm. It was refreshing to see so many people seriously studying and reading books.
Street Performers
One of the things I love about exploring big cities in Australia is coming across street performers. They’re also a source of entertainment when my feet get tired from walking too much.
To be honest, I rarely encounter street performers who put on just a standard performance.
Especially those who just clap their hands and insist on asking for money (this kind of thing reminds me of somewhere else! Haha~).
Yes, these street performances are always well-prepared, like this guy.
He had a guitar, mic, and a cool sound system! The music he played was great too! I wouldn’t get bored listening for a long time.
And if their performance was good, I wouldn’t hesitate to drop AUD 5 or AUD 10 into the street performer’s money box.
Australia is expensive, so sharing a little fortune with them is fine by me.
Brighton Beach, a Famous Melbourne Attraction for Its “Bath Boxes”
Do you know what made me want to visit a beach thousands of kilometers away from Indonesia? Simple, I was curious about a beach famous only for its colorful “Bath Boxes” scattered along the shore.
Backpacker Spotted!
If you spot something like this on the streets of Australia, you can bet it’s a backpacker renting it. Maybe because it’s cheap, or maybe because the cars rented by Wicked Camper are a bit unique.
So, if you’re vacationing in Melbourne, don’t forget to visit some of the tourist spots mentioned above!
Mantoux Test
The Mantoux test is a skin test used to determine if a person has been exposed to tuberculosis (TB) bacteria.
It is also known as the **tuberculin test** or **PPD test** (Purified
Protein Derivative).
The Mantoux test involves injecting a small amount of purified protein derivative (PPD) into the skin of
the forearm. This substance is derived from the bacteria that cause
TB.
History
The Mantoux test was developed in 1905 by French physician Charles Mantoux.
It became a standard diagnostic tool for tuberculosis in many countries until the advent
of more accurate and reliable tests, such as the interferon-gamma
release assay (IGRA) and nucleic acid amplification tests.
Procedure
The test is typically administered on the inner forearm.
The healthcare provider uses a needle to inject 2
tuberculin units (TT) of PPD into the superficial fascia.
A positive reaction usually appears within 2–4 days
as a small, firm, and red bump that may be accompanied
by surrounding erythema.
Interpretation
A positive Mantoux test indicates exposure to TB bacteria.
The size and quality of the skin reaction help determine
the likelihood of active or latent TB infection. A negative result suggests
no exposure, but false negatives can occur in some cases.
Applications
The Mantoux test is primarily used for screening individuals who are at high risk
of TB infection, such as those with a history of close contact with an infected person or immigration from
a region with high TB prevalence.
Limitations
While the Mantoux test is useful, it has several limitations.
It can produce false positives (inflammation caused by non-TB pathogens) and
false negatives (failure to detect true-positive results).
Additionally, the test requires careful interpretation by trained personnel.
Conclusion
The Mantoux test is a foundational diagnostic tool in tuberculosis control, despite being largely surpassed
by more modern testing methods. It remains important for disease surveillance
and elimination efforts worldwide.
Contents
1. **Mantoux Test**
2. **History**
3. **Procedure**
4. **Classification of Tuberculin Reaction**
5. **False Positive Result**
6. **False Negative Result**
7. **BCG Vaccine and the Mantoux Test**
8. **Anergy Testing**
9. **Two-Step Testing**
10. **The Latest Interpretation for Mantoux Test Results**
11. **Recent Developments**
12. **Heaf Test**
13. **See Also**
14. **References**
Mantoux Test
The Mantoux test is a diagnostic tool used to determine if an individual has been exposed to Mycobacterium
tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB).
It involves injecting a small amount of tuberculin solution into the skin and then observing the resulting reaction. This test is
a cornerstone in TB diagnosis, providing valuable information for early detection and management of the disease.
History
The Mantoux test was developed by French physician Pierre-Marie Gilbert Charpy in 1905.
Initially called the “Newark test,” it was later renamed
after Charles Mantoux, a colleague who improved its methodology.
Over time, the test has undergone modifications and
is now a standard diagnostic tool used worldwide, particularly in areas where TB is prevalent.
Procedure
The Mantoux test is performed by injecting 0.1 mL of purified protein derivative (PPD) into the derma
of the inner forearm. The site of injection is then read after 48-72 hours.
A positive reaction is indicated by a firm, raised rash that may become erythematous or necrotic at the edges within 24-72 hours.
Classification of Tuberculin Reaction
The Mantoux test response can be categorized into several types:
– **Positive**: A clear, raised, and often erythematous rash that develops
within a few days after injection.
– **Negative**: No visible reaction at the injection site or a minimal,
non-inflammatory response.
– **Boomerang Reaction**: A delayed response where the rash appears after 72 hours but resolves quickly,
mimicking a negative result.
The size and duration of the rash are important in interpreting the results.
False Positive Result
A false positive Mantoux test occurs when the skin reacts positively even though the
individual has not been exposed to TB bacteria.
This can happen due to:
– Cross-reactivity with other mycobacterial infections, such as Bovine tuberculosis or Leprae.
– Use of certain medications (e.g., interferons) that mimic
aTB reaction.
– Rarely, skin inflammation from conditions like eczema or
contact dermatitis may cause a false positive.
False Negative Result
A false negative result occurs when an individual has been exposed to
TB but the Mantoux test does not show a positive response.
This can happen due to:
– Early infection (before the immune system
reacts).
– Poor technique in administering the test.
– Pre-existing immune suppression or malnutrition, which
weakens the body’s response.
BCG Vaccine and the Mantoux Test
The BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) vaccine is widely used to prevent
TB, especially in children. However, it can cause a false positive Mantoux reaction because
the vaccine contains antigens similar to those in TB bacteria.
This means that individuals who have received the BCG vaccine may show a positive Mantoux reaction even if they have not been exposed to TB.
It’s important to interpret such results with caution, as a positive Mantoux test after BCG vaccination does not necessarily indicate active disease.
Anergy Testing
Anergy testing is a related procedure used
to assess the immune response in individuals with conditions like Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or cancer.
It involves injecting a small amount of mumps, yeast, or another antigen and observing
the lack of reaction (anergy) in individuals with impaired immune systems.
Two-Step Testing
In high-risk populations, such as those living with HIV/AIDS or in areas with high TB prevalence, two-step testing is recommended.
This involves first performing a Mantoux test and then confirming a
positive result with an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) or a
chest X-ray. Two-step testing improves the accuracy of diagnosis, especially in individuals who may have a false positive Mantoux reaction due
to BCG vaccination.
The Latest Interpretation for Mantoux Test Results
Recent studies have clarified that the size and duration of the Mantoux rash are critical factors in interpretation. A larger, more persistent
rash is more likely to indicate true exposure to TB
bacteria, while a smaller or fleeting reaction may represent cross-reactivity or a false positive.
Additionally, guidelines now recommend interpreting
Mantoux results within 72 hours of injection for accuracy.
Recent Developments
Recent advancements in TB diagnostics include the development of new and more accurate
tests, such as the Xpert MTB/RIF assay, which provides rapid results and can be used alongside Mantoux testing.
Research is also focusing on improving the accuracy of the Mantoux test in individuals
vaccinated with BCG and those with pre-existing immune conditions.
Heaf Test
The Heaf test is another skin-based diagnostic tool, similar
to the Mantoux test, but it uses a different antigen (mumps or
squalene) and is often used for anergy testing in individuals with impaired immune responses.
It is named after Harald Héaf, a Norwegian physician who contributed significantly to the understanding of TB diagnostics.
See Also
– **Tuberculosis Diagnosis**
– **BCG Vaccine**
– **Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA)**
– **Xpert MTB/RIF Test**
References
1. World Health Organization. (2010). Tuberculosis control:
Guidelines for national programmes.
2. American Thoracic Society. (2005). Diagnostic criteria for latent
tuberculosis infection.
3. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
(2020). Best practices for TB diagnosis in Europe.
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