Mycobacterium leprae: Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

Heavy load of acid fast bacilli (AFB) of Mycobacterium leprae in modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining of slit skin smear microscopy at a magnification of 1000X

Introduction Mycobacterium leprae is the bacterium responsible for causing leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease. It is an ancient disease that has afflicted humans for thousands of years, and it continues to be a significant public health concern in some parts of the world. M. …

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Achromobacter xylosoxidans: Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

Gram negative rods (GNRs) or Gram negative bacilli (GNBs)of Achromobacter xylosoxidans in Gram staining of culture microscopy

Introduction Achromobacter xylosoxidans is a gram-negative, non-fermenting bacterium that belongs to the family Alcaligenaceae. It is an aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium known for its versatile metabolic capabilities and its widespread distribution in various environments, including soil, water, and hospital settings. Originally classified as Alcaligenes xylosoxidans, the …

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Streptococcus pneumoniae: Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

Optochin sensitive Streptococcus pneumoniae

Introduction Streptococcus pneumoniae, commonly known as pneumococcus, is a bacterium that can cause a wide range of infections in humans. It is one of the most significant pathogens responsible for various diseases, particularly pneumonia, meningitis, and otitis media (middle ear infections). Characteristics: Transmission: Diseases caused …

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Enterococcus faecium: Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

Gram positive cocci in singles, pairs and chains of Enterococcus faecium in Gram staining of culture microscopy

Introduction Enterococcus faecium is a bacterium that belongs to the Enterococcus genus, which is a part of the Firmicutes phylum. It is a Gram-positive, facultative anaerobic coccus, typically occurring in pairs or short chains. Enterococci are commensal bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of …

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Streptococcus agalactiae: Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

Beta-haemolytic colony of Streptococcus agalactiae on 5% sheep blood agar of clinical specimen, High Vaginal Swab (HVS)

Introduction Streptococcus agalactiae, commonly known as Group B Streptococcus (GBS), is a Gram-positive bacterium belonging to the Streptococcaceae family. It is a significant human pathogen known for causing various infections in both adults and newborns. The bacterium is typically found as a part of the …

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Streptococcus pyogenes: Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

Streptococcus pyogenes colony morphology on blood agar

Introduction Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as Group A Streptococcus (GAS), is a gram-positive, spherical bacterium that belongs to the Streptococcaceae family. It is one of the most common and important human pathogens, responsible for a wide range of infections in humans. This bacterium is typically …

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Chlamydia trachomatis: Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

Introduction Chlamydia trachomatis is a gram-negative bacterium and is an important human pathogen known for causing several diseases. It is an obligate intracellular bacterium, meaning it can only survive and reproduce inside host cells. C. trachomatis primarily infects epithelial cells of the mucous membranes in …

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Corynebacterium diphtheriae: Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

Corynebacterium diphtheriae colony morpholoy on 5% sheep blood agar after 48 hours of incubation

Introduction Corynebacterium diphtheriae is a gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that causes diphtheria, a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening respiratory infection. This bacterium was first identified and described by the German physician Edwin Klebs in 1883, and later confirmed by Friedrich Loeffler and Emil von Behring. The …

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