PHAR 608 Foundational Sciences IV Clinical Microbiology & Immunology Exam 3 Study Guide

These flashcards cover key concepts from the PHAR 608 Clinical Microbiology & Immunology exam study guide, aiding in the review of critical terms and mechanisms.

What are the benefits of the normal microbiome?

Improves digestion, anti-cancer, eases lactose intolerance, and provides nutritional benefits.

What is the function of pre/pro/synbiotics?

They alter colonic microflora to a healthier composition and act synergistically.

Define opportunistic pathogen.

A normally harmless microorganism that causes disease in a host that is physically impaired.

What is a Catalase test used for?

To differentiate bacteria that produce catalase from those that do not.

What distinguishes a coagulase positive from a coagulase negative bacterium?

Coagulase positive bacteria produce coagulase and cause clotting of blood plasma.

Define mutualism in microbiology.

A symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit from each other.

What does the term parasitism refer to?

A relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of another.

What are adhesins?

Cell surface components that bind specifically to surface receptors of host cells.

How does urease function and what does a urease test differentiate?

Urease splits urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide; the test differentiates bacteria that produce urease from those that do not.

What are endotoxins and what is their source?

Part of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, liberated when these bacteria die.

What are the differences between endotoxins and exotoxins?

Endotoxins are lipid portions and found in Gram-negative bacteria; exotoxins are proteins produced by Gram-positive bacteria.

Which organisms are classified as Gram-positive?

Organisms that have a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall.

Describe the Gram staining process for Gram-negative bacteria.

Stain with crystal violet, add iodine, wash with alcohol (becomes colorless), and counterstain with safranin (turns pink).

What characterizes Gram indeterminate bacteria?

They possess mycolic acid in their cell wall, making them resistant to standard Gram staining.

What is MALDI-TOF?

A rapid, advanced method for microbial identification based on protein profiling.

What is the log phase in bacterial growth curve?

The phase where bacteria multiply at a constant and rapid rate.

What is the difference between obligate aerobes and obligate anaerobes?

Obligate aerobes need oxygen for growth, while obligate anaerobes cannot grow in the presence of oxygen.

What is the mechanism of action for macrolide antibiotics?

They bind to the 50S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting protein synthesis.

Define bactericidal and bacteriostatic antibiotics.

Bactericidal antibiotics kill bacteria, while bacteriostatic antibiotics inhibit their growth.

What is the effect of chloroquine on malaria parasites?

It inhibits their ability to digest hemoglobin, effectively treating malaria.

What is antibiotic resistance and how may it occur?

The ability of bacteria to resist the effects of drugs, possibly occurring through efflux pumps, target alteration, and gene transfer.

What does the term 'horizontal gene transfer' refer to?

The transfer of genetic material between bacteria, including transformation, transduction, and conjugation.