Bacteriolgy

Yes! Here are revision flashcards for clinical bacteriology, focusing on key concepts you might need for your exam.

Flashcard Set: Clinical Bacteriology

1. Specimen Collection & Transport

Q: Why is proper specimen collection important in clinical bacteriology?
A: To avoid contamination, ensure accurate diagnosis, and improve pathogen recovery.

Q: Give an example of a sterile site for specimen collection.
A: Blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), pleural fluid.

Q: How should CSF be transported to the lab?
A: Immediately at body temperature (37°C) to prevent bacterial death.

2. Culture Techniques

Q: What is the purpose of selective media?
A: To inhibit unwanted bacteria and allow growth of the target pathogen (e.g., MacConkey agar for Gram-negative bacteria).

Q: What is the function of Blood Agar?
A: Enriched & differential – Detects hemolysis patterns (α, β, γ).

Q: What medium is used for Vibrio cholerae?
A: TCBS agar (Thiosulfate Citrate Bile Salts Sucrose) – Yellow colonies indicate sucrose fermentation.

3. Gram Staining & Biochemical Tests

Q: What color do Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria appear on a Gram stain?
A:

• Gram-positive: Purple

• Gram-negative: Pink

Q: What is the oxidase test used for?
A: Differentiates oxidase-positive bacteria (e.g., Pseudomonas, Vibrio) from oxidase-negative ones (e.g., Enterobacteriaceae).

Q: Which bacteria are coagulase-positive?
A: Staphylococcus aureus (used to differentiate from Staphylococcus epidermidis).

4. Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (AST)

Q: What are the two main methods of AST?
A:

1. Disk Diffusion (Kirby-Bauer Test) – Measures zone of inhibition.

2. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) – Determines the lowest concentration that inhibits bacterial growth.

Q: Which test detects MRSA?
A: Cefoxitin disk diffusion test or PCR for the mecA gene.

Q: What does an ESBL-producing bacterium indicate?
A: Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production = resistance to 3rd gen cephalosporins (e.g., E. coli, Klebsiella).

5. Key Pathogens & Infections

Q: Which bacterium causes "rice-water stools"?
A: Vibrio cholerae.

Q: What is the primary pathogen in cystic fibrosis lung infections?
A: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (forms biofilms).

Q: What are the most common non-glucose fermenting Gram-negative bacilli?
A: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Burkholderia cepacia.

Q: Name two hospital-acquired infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii.
A: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and bloodstream infections.

6. Infection Control & Prevention

Q: Name two strategies to prevent hospital-acquired bacterial infections.
A:

1. Hand hygiene & disinfection.

2. Antibiotic stewardship programs.

Q: How can hospitals reduce Clostridioides difficile infections?
A:

• Use of soap and water instead of alcohol-based sanitizers.

• Judicious antibiotic use (avoiding broad-spectrum antibiotics).

Q: What is the role of antimicrobial stewardship programs?
A: To promote rational antibiotic use, reduce resistance, and improve patient outcomes.

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