Actinotignum schaalii: a new pathogen
An emerging pathogen Actinotignum schaalii gram stain (pic Manurx27, Wikipedia) What infection does it cause, and who is mostly affected? How to identify Actinotignum schaalii in the lab? How do we treat infection caused by Actinotignum schaalii infection? Actinotignum schaalii presentation.(Youtube)
Pneumococcus - gallery
Streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococci are gram-positive cocci in pairs, which may be capsulated. Colonies are 1-2mm, α-haemolytic and may appear as ‘draughtsman’ colonies (due to autolysis of the organisms). If incubated in anaerobic conditions, the colonies may appear larger and more mucoid. It is, like other Streptococcus spp., catalase-negative. Traditionally, a few of the properties of the pneumococcus were exploited to […]
Paracoccus Yeei
Paracoccus yeei is an aerobic Gram-negative coccobacilli typically found in soil and brine. It appears as diplococci and may have a visible vacuole – giving an “O” shaped appearance. It may under-decolourise and appear as Gram-positive cocci. It is oxidase-positive and confused with Moraxella/Neisseria. Identification can be made using automated systems like VITEK-2 GN, MALDI-ToF and DNA […]
Legionella Control in Healthcare
What are the Laws underpinning the Legionella control? There is a hierarchy of laws guiding the Legionella control ACOP L8:2013 The responsibility lies with the owner of the premises or the employer (this person is called the "duty holder"). They must identify and assess the risk, prepare a written scheme to control the risk, implement […]
Trainee experience: Tips for part 1 FRCPath Microbiology
One of my trainees, who joined us as a year 1 infection trainee, recently passed part 1 FRCPath. I worked closely with him as a clinical supervisor. I asked him what tips he would give other trainees preparing for part 1. I think talking to you and looking at your Microregistrar and Facebook FRCPath blogs […]
Rotavirus vaccine (study note)
Vaccine Efficacy– Protect against gastroenteritis due to rotavirus serotypes G1P, G2P, G3P, G4P, and G9P; some efficacy against uncommon rotavirus genotypes G8P and G12P.– Over 85% effective at protecting against severe rotavirus gastroenteritis in the first two years of life. Administration of the vaccine Rotarix® should not be given to infants under 6 weeks of age.WHO recommends infants should […]
Greenbook notes: Pertussis (Whooping cough) vaccine
Pertussis vaccine Pertussis vaccine is only given as a part of a combined vaccine. Monovalent pertussis vaccines are not available. Vaccines are stored at +2˚C to +8˚C, protected from light. Excess heat – reduces potency and shelf-life.Excess cold/freezing – increases reactogenicity and loss of potency; it may also cause hairline cracks on the ampoule leading […]
Antifungals – Synergy, indifference and antagonism
A combination of antifungals is often used in cases of difficult-to-treat infections. What is the evidence in the literature about synergy, antagonism and indifference? Drug 1 Drug 2 Candida Aspergillus Cryptococcus neoformans Amphotericin B Echinocandin Indifference(survival – NA) Synergy, Indifference(Survival ↑) Synergy(survival – NA) Amphotericin B Flucytosine Synergy, indifference(Survival ↑) Synergy, indifference, antagonism(Survival ↑) Synergy, […]
NICE Guidelines and other documents – Infection
Check the most recent updates here:https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/conditions-and-diseases/infections/covid19/products?Status=Published
Mycoplasma genitalium Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance (MARS) – Takeaways
MARS 2nd pilot report is out. It included data from all consecutive M. genitalium specimens collected from 15 SHCs between January and March 2020. M. genitalium diagnostic testing was done on1. for those presenting with non-gonococcal urethritis or pelvic inflammatory disease, and2. for the current sex partners of those who tested positive for M. genitalium. […]