Basics of Medical Bacteriology & Advanced Microbiology

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts in medical bacteriology and advanced microbiology.

Microbiome

The collection of numerous bacterial species that inhabit the human body.

Endogenous infections

Infections that originate from within the host's own microbiota.

Exogenous infections

Infections that originate from external sources outside the host.

Bacterial Culture

The process of isolating bacteria from samples using appropriate media and conditions.

Gram stain

A differential staining technique used to classify bacteria into Gram-positive and Gram-negative.

Acid Fast Stain

A staining method used to identify bacteria that have a waxy cell wall, like Mycobacterium.

Antibiotic sensitivity

The susceptibility of bacteria to the effects of antibiotics determined by testing.

Biochemical tests

Tests that assess the metabolic properties of bacteria to aid in identification.

Coagulase Test

A test that identifies the presence of coagulase enzyme produced by certain bacteria, notably Staphylococcus aureus.

Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA) Test

A selective medium used to identify Staphylococcus aureus based on mannitol fermentation.

Nitrate Reduction Test

A test to determine if a bacterium can reduce nitrate to nitrite or further reduce it.

API Testing

A standardized method for identifying bacteria by their biochemical characteristics using a plastic strip with miniaturized test chambers.

Vitek System

An automated system for rapid identification and susceptibility testing of bacteria.

Serological Testing

Laboratory tests that detect specific antibodies or antigens to identify bacteria.

Molecular Tests

Tests that detect bacterial DNA or RNA to identify microbes, often highly sensitive and specific.

Bacterial Gene Transfer

The process by which bacteria exchange genetic material, which can lead to antibiotic resistance.

Obligate Parasite

A parasite that requires a host to complete its life cycle.

Endoparasite

A parasite that lives inside the host's body.

Ectoparasite

A parasite that lives on the surface of the host.

Reservoir Host

An animal that carries a parasite that can infect humans.

Indirect life cycle

A life cycle that involves a vector or intermediate host for the parasite to reproduce or grow.