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Course: Introduction to Practical Microbiology

Example of classifying a bacterium

The above animation provides an example of how a bacteria may be classified, using the techniques mentioned in the previous step. Clinical sample isolated and, on Gram stain, found to …

Classification of microbes

All life can be divided into Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes. The table below shows the differences between these two groups: Prokaryotes Eukaryotes More simple More complex Prone to mutation Resistant to …

Defining microbes

In this step, we will define what microbes are and the different types of microbes. Please note, a glossary is available for this course and can be accessed here or …

Capacity and Capability

Antimicrobial stewardship is a bundle of integrated interventions designed to optimise the use of antimicrobials and contribute to slowing the spread of antimicrobial resistance. While infectious-disease-trained physicians, with clinical pharmacists, …

Welcome to week 2

Welcome to week 2 of the course. So far, we have learnt about the importance of antimicrobial stewardship and resistance as well as the classification, structure and roles of various …

Welcome to week 3

Welcome to week 3 of the course! In previous weeks, we have discussed the different microbes, their roles and classification along with the classification and properties of common antimicrobials. During …

What are antimicrobials

An antimicrobial is a drug that inhibits the growth or directly kills microbes. The first antimicrobial, Salvarsan, was discovered in 1910 and was an arsenic-containing drug effective for syphilis (Treponema …

End of week 2 summary

Thank you for completing week 2 of the course! This week focused on introducing microbes – bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa. We discussed the structure of microbes, how to classify …

What do microbes do?

Microbes play an important role in disease. Here, we will examine the fact that most microbes are not harmful – in fact, they have a variety of other roles in …

Classification of microbes

In basic terms, microbes belong to one of the three ‘domains of life’ [image] All life can be divided into Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes. In the table below we explore the …

Structure of microbes

Bacterial Structure [labelled image] Capsule – Outside the cell wall, most bacteria have a sugar-based layer called a glycocalyx ranging from a diffuse, loosely bound, slimy coat, to a thick …

What are microbes?

Here, we will define what microbes are and look at the different types of microbes. A microbe is a micro-organism with microscopic or sub-microscopic size, meaning it cannot be seen …

Specimen/optimal sampling and testing

Specimens submitted for microbiological testing require proper handling from the time of collection through all stages of transport, storage, and processing. Issues common to all clinical specimens submitted for microbiological …
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Introduction to Practical Microbiology

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