microbiology

Catalase Test

A test used to differentiate between Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species based on their ability to produce the enzyme catalase.

TSI Agar

A medium used to differentiate Enterobacteriaceae based on carbohydrate fermentation and H2S production.

Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC)

The lowest concentration of an antibiotic that inhibits the visible growth of a microorganism.

Aerobic Conditions

Conditions that require oxygen for the growth of microorganisms.

Mannitol Salt Agar

A selective medium used to isolate and differentiate Staphylococcus aureus from other Staphylococcus species.

Bactericidal

Describes antibiotics that kill bacteria.

Bacteriostatic

Describes antibiotics that inhibit the growth of bacteria without killing them.

Septicemia

Presence of bacteria in the blood, which can lead to systemic infection.

Phagocytosis

The process by which a cell engulfs particles, such as bacteria, to remove them from circulation.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

A Gram-negative bacterium that causes the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea.

Gram Stain

A laboratory technique used to classify bacteria into two groups (Gram-positive and Gram-negative) based on their cell wall structure.

Clostridium tetani

A bacterium that causes tetanus, characterized by muscle stiffness and spasms.

Clostridium perfringens

A bacterium associated with gas gangrene and food poisoning due to its ability to produce toxins.

Hematocrit

A measurement of the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body.

Colony Forming Unit (CFU)

A unit used to estimate the number of viable bacteria or fungal cells in a sample.

Differential WBC Count

A test that measures the percentage of different types of white blood cells in the blood.

Acid/Base Indicator

A substance that changes color in response to a change in pH.

Microaerophilic

Describes organisms that require low levels of oxygen for growth.

Capnophilic

Refers to organisms that require elevated levels of carbon dioxide for optimal growth.

Leukocyte

A type of white blood cell involved in the immune response.

Erythrocyte

A red blood cell responsible for carrying oxygen in the bloodstream.

Broad Spectrum Antibiotic

An antibiotic that is effective against a wide range of bacteria, both Gram-positive and Gram-negative.