Articles

Vibrio

Jan 30, 2024 | Microbiology

Vibrio is a genus of bacteria that includes several species known to cause diseases in humans and other animals. These bacteria are typically found in marine environments and are shaped like curved rods. Some notable species include Vibrio cholerae, which causes cholera, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, which can cause gastrointestinal illness. Vibrio infections are often associated with consuming contaminated seafood or exposure to contaminated water. Proper food handling and sanitation practices are essential for preventing Vibrio-related illnesses.

Neisseria Meningitidis

Jan 25, 2024 | Microbiology

Neisseria meningitidis, commonly known as meningococcus, can colonize the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx in healthy individuals, where it may exist harmlessly without any signs or symptoms. However, under certain conditions, this bacterium can lead to potentially...

Neisseria Gonorrhoeae

Jan 12, 2024 | Microbiology

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is responsible for causing one of the most frequent sexually transmitted diseases known as gonorrhea. Unlike N.meningitidis, the presence of N. gonorrhoeae in a specimen is always of clinical importance [1]. Its exclusive natural host is humans,...

Shigella

Jan 10, 2024 | Microbiology

Some species of Shigella include Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella flexneri, Shigella boydii, and Shigella sonnei. Shigella sonnei is responsible for most Shigella infections in the United States. S. flexneri's prevalence shifts geographically, with a higher burden noted...

Salmonella Typhi

Jan 4, 2024 | Microbiology

Salmonella Typhi is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium responsible for causing typhoid fever, a severe systemic illness. It is part of the Enterobacteriaceae family and is exclusively adapted to humans. Transmission occurs primarily through ingestion of contaminated food or water. Symptoms of typhoid fever include high fever, weakness, abdominal pain, headache, and, in some cases, a rash. Without treatment, the disease can be fatal. Vaccines are available for prevention, and antibiotics are used for treatment, although antibiotic resistance is a growing concern. S. Typhi is prevalent in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.

Proteus Mirabilis

Dec 28, 2023 | Microbiology

Proteus Mirabilis According to Greek mythology, Proteus was an ancient sea god known for his ability to change its shape. This reference reflects the bacterial ability to form pleomorphic colonies [1]. "Mirabilis" is a Latin word meaning "wonderful" or "miraculous,"...

Haemophilus Ducreyi

Dec 22, 2023 | Microbiology

Staining and Microbiologic Features: Gram-negative bacilli [1] It requires Factor X (hemin) for its growth [2] Factor V (NAD) is not necessary for its growth [1] . H. influenzae requires both factor V (NAD) and Factor X (hemin) for its growth and metabolic...

Mechanism of Gram Staining

Aug 24, 2023 | Microbiology

Put bacteria on plate (if from another plate then dilute agar first); Warm the plate to fix bacteria; Add gram stain; 20-30 seconds; wash it; Add iodine (mordant) Add drops of alcohol, to wash out the gram negative bacteria’s color - 20 - 40 seconds; Put safranin...

Bacterial Structure

Aug 24, 2023 | Microbiology

Review: Remember the structure of bacteria is slightly different between the gram +ive and gram -ive, and pleomorphic bacteria which don’t have a cell wall. Think of a bacterium as a tiny bean shaped globule floating about like a balloon filled with cytoplasm. The...

Bacteriophage

Aug 24, 2023 | Microbiology

Bacteriophage, or sometimes just called a “phage”. A phage is a virus that attacks bacteria. There are species of phages that are specific to various bacteria. This characteristic is used by public health organizations to detect what kind of bacteria are present in...

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