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Microbiology is the study of all living organisms that are too small to be visible to the naked eye. This includes bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, prions, protozoa, and algae, collectively known as ‘microbes’. These microbes play key roles in nutrient cycling, biodegradation/biodeterioration, climate change, food spoilage, the cause and control of disease, and biotechnology.
The bacterium Bordetella pertussis is the causative agent of whooping cough. It is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection that spreads through tiny germ-laden droplets sprayed into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The bacterium Bordetella pertussis is the causative agent of whooping cough. It is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection that spreads through tiny germ-laden droplets sprayed into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
See lessThe genus Staphylococcus consists of Gram-positive, non-spore-forming cocci that are often found as normal human microbiota of the skin and nasal cavity. There are five organisms to consider as potential human pathogens in this genus: 1. S. aureus 2. S. epidermidis 3. S. saprophiticus 4. S. haemolytRead more
The genus Staphylococcus consists of Gram-positive, non-spore-forming cocci that are often found as normal human microbiota of the skin and nasal cavity. There are five organisms to consider as potential human pathogens in this genus:
1. S. aureus
2. S. epidermidis
3. S. saprophiticus
4. S. haemolyticus, and
5. S. hominis.
The major test reaction to use in Staphylococcus identification is the coagulase test reaction, which divides the genus Staphylococcus into 2 groups:
1. Coagulase-negative species, and
2. Coagulase-positive species.
The test media that you will run for identification depends on which category your organism falls in.
The clinical manifestations of Neisseria meningitidis can range from transient fever and bacteremia to fulminant disease with death ensuing within hours of the onset of clinical symptoms. It is a common cause of community-acquired bacterial meningitis in both children and adults. Mortality can be veRead more
The clinical manifestations of Neisseria meningitidis can range from transient fever and bacteremia to fulminant disease with death ensuing within hours of the onset of clinical symptoms. It is a common cause of community-acquired bacterial meningitis in both children and adults. Mortality can be very high in patients with meningococcal disease if the infection is not treated appropriately, and long-term sequelae can be severe even in successfully managed cases due primarily to difficulty in managing the endotoxin-induced vascular collapse frequently induced by this organism. The symptoms of Neisseria meningitidis can vary from mild to severe and can include:
– Sudden onset of fever
– Headache
– Stiff neck
– Nausea and vomiting
– Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
– Altered mental status (confusion)
– Skin rash
– Seizures
Enterobacteriaceae is a large family of Gram-negative bacteria that includes over 30 genera and more than 100 species. The classification of Enterobacteriaceae above the level of family is still a subject of debate, but one classification places it in the order Enterobacterales of the class GammaproRead more
Enterobacteriaceae is a large family of Gram-negative bacteria that includes over 30 genera and more than 100 species. The classification of Enterobacteriaceae above the level of family is still a subject of debate, but one classification places it in the order Enterobacterales of the class Gammaproteobacteria in the phylum Pseudomonadota. Some of the most notable genera of Enterobacteriaceae include Escherichia, Salmonella, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and Citrobacter.
It’s important to note that while Enterobacteriaceae is a large family of bacteria, not all members of the family are pathogenic. Some members of the family are harmless symbionts, while others are found in water or soil, or are parasites on a variety of different animals and plants.
See lessTuberculosis (TB) is a serious illness that mainly affects the lungs. The germs that cause tuberculosis are a type of bacteria. The clinical features of TB can vary depending on the stage of the disease. Here are some common clinical features of active TB disease: - Malaise - Weight loss - Fever - NRead more
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious illness that mainly affects the lungs. The germs that cause tuberculosis are a type of bacteria. The clinical features of TB can vary depending on the stage of the disease. Here are some common clinical features of active TB disease:
– Malaise
– Weight loss
– Fever
– Night sweats
– Cough
– Coughing up blood or mucus
– Chest pain
– Pain with breathing or coughing
– Not wanting to eat
– Tiredness
– Not feeling well in general
It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other illnesses, so it’s important to see a doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
See lessA wound infection occurs when bacteria or other pathogens enter a wound and begin to multiply, leading to symptoms such as increasing pain, swelling, redness, and possibly the production of pus. The skin around the wound may feel warm, and there might be yellow or green discharge or an unpleasant odRead more
A wound infection occurs when bacteria or other pathogens enter a wound and begin to multiply, leading to symptoms such as increasing pain, swelling, redness, and possibly the production of pus. The skin around the wound may feel warm, and there might be yellow or green discharge or an unpleasant odor. In more severe cases, it can cause fever, chills, aches, and nausea.
Wounds can become infected through various means, such as during surgery, from trauma like falls or accidents, or even from bites or weapons. Common bacteria that may cause a wound infection include:
1. Staphylococcus aureus
2. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
3. Escherichia coli (E. coli)
4. Proteus mirabilis
5. Acinetobacter baumannii/haemolyticus. ETC
Prevention is key, and it’s important to clean wounds properly and monitor them for signs of infection. Minor wound infections may be treatable at home, but more severe or persistent infections require medical attention.
See lessAn abscess and a furuncle are both skin conditions that involve the formation of painful, swollen lumps filled with pus, but they have some key differences: 1. Cause: - Abscess: An abscess is a localized collection of pus that can develop anywhere in the body, including the skin, as a result of infeRead more
An abscess and a furuncle are both skin conditions that involve the formation of painful, swollen lumps filled with pus, but they have some key differences:
1. Cause:
– Abscess: An abscess is a localized collection of pus that can develop anywhere in the body, including the skin, as a result of infection, inflammation, or injury.
– Furuncle: A furuncle, also known as a boil, is a specific type of abscess that forms in a hair follicle and its surrounding tissues. It’s usually caused by a bacterial infection, often by Staphylococcus aureus.
2. Location:
– Abscess: It can occur in various parts of the body, including internal organs, whereas skin abscesses are found on the surface of the skin.
– Furuncle: It specifically forms in hair follicles and is typically found on the skin, especially in areas with hair, like the neck, face, buttocks, and thighs.
3. Appearance:
– Abscess: It appears as a swollen, painful lump that may or may not have a visible head or opening. The surrounding skin may be red and warm to the touch.
– Furuncle: A furuncle often begins as a tender, red nodule, which gradually fills with pus and develops a visible, pimple-like head (pustule) at its center.
4. Causes of Infection:
– Abscess: The infection leading to an abscess can result from various sources, including bacteria, fungi, or parasites.
– Furuncle: Furuncles are primarily caused by a bacterial infection, most commonly by Staphylococcus aureus.
In summary, both abscesses and furuncles involve the formation of pus-filled lumps on the skin, but abscesses can occur anywhere in the body, while furuncles specifically develop in hair follicles and are usually caused by a bacterial infection. Treatment may vary depending on the severity and location of the condition.
See lessThere are four distinct serotypes of the dengue virus: DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4. Each serotype can cause the same range of symptoms, from mild dengue fever to severe dengue hemorrhagic fever. Having immunity to one serotype does not provide immunity to the others, and subsequent infections witRead more
There are four distinct serotypes of the dengue virus: DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4. Each serotype can cause the same range of symptoms, from mild dengue fever to severe dengue hemorrhagic fever. Having immunity to one serotype does not provide immunity to the others, and subsequent infections with different serotypes can increase the risk of severe dengue.
See lessDengue is primarily caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes become infected when they bite a person already infected with the virus. The virus cannot be spread directlRead more
Dengue is primarily caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes become infected when they bite a person already infected with the virus. The virus cannot be spread directly from person to person. Factors such as stagnant water, urbanization, and travel to dengue-endemic areas can contribute to the spread of the disease by creating favorable conditions for mosquito breeding and transmission.
See less
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an infection of the respiratory system caused by a virus. The clinical features of influenza include: - Abrupt onset of constitutional and upper respiratory tract signs and symptoms such as fever, chills, myalgia, headache, malaise, nonproductive cough, soreRead more
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an infection of the respiratory system caused by a virus. The clinical features of influenza include:
– Abrupt onset of constitutional and upper respiratory tract signs and symptoms such as fever, chills, myalgia, headache, malaise, nonproductive cough, sore throat, and rhinitis.
See less– Atypical signs and symptoms of influenza virus infection can occur, including in frail, institutionalized elderly long-term care facility residents.
– Among young children with influenza, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea may also occur with respiratory symptoms.
– Uncomplicated influenza signs and symptoms typically resolve after 3-7 days for the majority of people, although cough and malaise can persist for >2 weeks, especially in elderly people and those with chronic lung disease.