Nocardia – Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

Beaded, branching, gram-positive bacilli of Nocardia species

Introduction Nocardia is a genus of aerobic, gram-positive bacteria. It belongs to the actinomycetes group. These bacteria are partially acid-fast due to mycolic acid in their cell walls. They commonly appear as branching filamentous rods. Nocardia species are found in soil and water. They can …

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Respiratory Tract Infections-Introduction, Types, Signs and Symptoms, Common Pathogens, Laboratory Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and Control, and Keynotes

Respiratory Tract Infections-Introduction, Types, Signs and Symptoms, Common Pathogens, Laboratory Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and Control, and Keynotes

Introduction Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are a group of illnesses that affect the respiratory system, which includes the organs and structures involved in breathing. These infections can range from mild to severe and may involve various parts of the respiratory tract, including the upper and …

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Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

Mucoid lactose fermenting (MLF) colony of Klebsiella pneumoniae and non-lactose fermenting (NLF) colony of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia on MacConkey medium of clinical specimen-sputum culture

Introduction Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a Gram-negative bacterium that belongs to the class Gammaproteobacteria. It is an opportunistic pathogen known for its ability to cause infections, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions. The bacterium was initially considered to be of low …

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Pneumonia: Introduction, Types, Sign and Symptoms, Common Pathogens, Laboratory Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and Control, and Keynotes

Introduction Pneumonia is a common and potentially serious respiratory infection that affects the lungs. It can be caused by various infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms. The infection causes inflammation and swelling in the air sacs of the lungs, known as alveoli, …

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Moraxella catarrhalis: Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

Gram negative cocci in pairs (diplococci) of Moraxella catarrhalis in Gram staining of culture microscopy at a magnification

Introduction Moraxella catarrhalis is a Gram-negative, aerobic bacterium that belongs to the Moraxellaceae family. It is a non-motile, non-spore-forming bacterium, and it is typically found in the upper respiratory tract of humans as a commensal organism. Though generally considered a commensal, M. catarrhalis can also …

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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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Sputum Culture and Sensitivity: Introduction, Report, Clinical Significance, Common Pathogens, and Keynotes

A step of sample inoculation on blood agar for Sputum Culture and Sensitivity

Introduction Sputum culture and sensitivity is a medical laboratory test used to identify and determine the susceptibility of bacteria or other microorganisms present in a patient’s sputum, a mixture of saliva and mucus coughed up from the respiratory tract. This diagnostic test is crucial in …

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Haemophilus influenzae: Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

Introduction Haemophilus influenzae is a Gram-negative bacterium that was originally believed to be the causative agent of influenza (the flu). However, it was later discovered that H. influenzae is not related to the viral infection that causes influenza. Instead, this bacterium is known for causing …

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