coursework: Micro-ID sessions

Parasitology 1: Introduction and gastrointestinal protozoa

Learning goals Describe and give examples of a definitive host, an intermediate host, a dead-end host, and an incidental host Classify parasites into five primary types and then organize them into secondary groupings based on morphology, motility, and major organ systems they affect Describe four modes of transmission for parasites to enter a human host […]

Acute infectious diarrhea

Learning goals Compare and contrast the microbiologic etiologies of common infectious causes of watery diarrhea, inflammatory diarrhea, and toxin-mediated diarrhea Compare and contrast the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and microbiology of Vibrio cholerae, pathogenic Escherichia coli, Campylobacter jejuni, and non-typhoidal salmonella Describe the bacteriology, pathophysiology, complications and management of pseudomembranous colitis (Clostridioides difficile) Required pre-class materials E.Flo […]

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Urethritis, cervicitis, vaginitis, and PID

Learning goals Compare the epidemiology, microbiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentations, and potential complications for Chlamydia trachomatis serovars D-K and Neisseria gonorrhoeae Compare the epidemiology, microbiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentations, and potential complications for yeast vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis Describe the approach to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in patients presenting with urethritis, cervicitis, vaginitis, and pelvic inflammatory […]

Sexually transmitted Infections (STIs): Genital ulcers and warts

Learning goals For the organisms of interest causing genital ulcer disease and genital warts: Compare the microbiology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical presentations, and potential complications for genital herpes (HSV), Treponema pallidum, Haemophilus ducreyi, Chlamydia trachomatis serovar L1-L3, Klebsiella granulomatis, and Human Papilloma virus (HPV) Describe the approach to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in patients presenting with […]

Microbiome, normal flora, and antimicrobial stewardship

High-yield summary Microbiome basics Microbiome = all microbes + their genomes + the environment they occupy. Humans have ~38 trillion microbial cells (more than human cells). Major phyla: Firmicutes (Gram+ anaerobes) Bacteroidetes (Gram– anaerobes) Proteobacteria (Gram– facultative rods) Actinobacteria (Gram+ bacilli)   Normal flora by site Carrier state: colonization with potential pathogen (e.g., S. aureus). […]

Pharmacology: Introduction to antimicrobial therapy

High-yield summary Learning goals Understand five mechanisms of antibiotic action Differentiate empiric vs. directed therapy Recognize bacterial resistance mechanisms Apply PK/PD principles: bacteriostatic vs. bactericidal, time vs. concentration dependence   Mechanisms of action Cell Wall Synthesis Inhibition: Penicillins, Cephalosporins, Carbapenems, Vancomycin. Protein Synthesis Inhibition: Aminoglycosides (30S), Macrolides, Clindamycin, Tetracyclines (50S). Cell Membrane Disruption: Daptomycin, Polymyxins. […]

Principles of laboratory diagnosis

High-yield summary Learning goals Compare direct examination, culture, serologic, and molecular methods for identifying microorganisms. Differentiate diagnostic approaches for bacteria vs. viruses. Understand how to select appropriate microbiologic diagnostic tests.   Direct examination Uses stains (Gram, Acid-fast, fluorescent) to visualize organisms directly from specimens. Low sensitivity/specificity; risk of false positives/negatives. Gram stain: differentiates Gram-positive (purple) […]

Introduction to bacteria: Classification and structure; virulence and pathogenicity

High-yield summary: Classification and structure Bacterial classification (Phenotypic) Gram Stain: Differentiates based on cell wall structure. Morphology: Cocci, bacilli, curved rods, clusters, chains. Growth Requirements: Oxygen tolerance (aerobes vs anaerobes). Biochemical Reactions: Catalase, coagulase, oxidase, lactose fermentation. Serologic Systems: Group A vs B Strep (based on surface antigens).   Gram stain mechanism Crystal Violet → […]

Overview of microbes

High-yield summary Core objectives Compare bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites by structure, reproduction, classification, and diagnostics. Define pathogenesis and virulence. Understand selective toxicity and its role in antimicrobial therapy.   Viruses Acellular, require host for replication. Genetic material: DNA or RNA (never both). Capsid proteins, some have envelopes. Intracellular pathogens diagnostic and treatment challenges. Example: […]