1. Introduction to Clinical Microbiology
Lesson 7-1
Introduction to
Clinical Microbiology

2. Overview Clinical microbiology encompasses Bacteriology Parasitology
Virology
Mycology
See Table 7-1

3. Nomenclature Bacteria, fungi, and parasites
Follow zoological nomenclature
Two-part names
Genus and specific epithet
Italicized
Naming system not used for viruses

4. Characteristics of Bacteria
Morphology
Multiply by fission
Grow in colonies
Shapes: coccus, bacillus, spiral
Gram stain reactions

5. Bacteriology Growth requirements Degree of pathogenicity See Table 7-2
Normal flora
Opportunistic pathogens
Pathogens

6. Bacteriology Procedures Specimen collection Culture
Bacterial identification methods
See Tables 7-3, 7-4
Antibiotic susceptibility

7. Parasitology Parasites can affect any organ system See Table 7-5
Intestinal parasites
Stool examination
Helminths and protozoa
Wet mounts
Preserving and transporting specimens

8. Parasitology Blood and tissue parasites Three common parasites:
Malaria
Three common parasites:
Trichomonas vaginalis
Pinworm
Giardia

9. Virology
Characteristics of
viruses
Common viruses
See Table 7-6

10. Virology Diagnostic testing in virology Viral culture Immunoassays
Rapid tests
See Table 7-7

11. Mycology Two groups of disease-causing fungi Characteristics of molds
Yeasts
Characteristics of molds
Mycelium composed of hyphae
Form spores
Require special media

12. Mycology Characteristics of yeasts Larger than bacteria Eukaryotic
Reproduce by budding

13. Mycology Mycoses – fungal diseases Identifying molds and yeasts
Dimorphic fungi – pathogenic
Opportunistic fungi
Dermatophytes
See Table 7-8
Identifying molds and yeasts
See Table 7-9
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