Gram-positive cocci
This Gram-Positive coccus can be identified with a positive coagulase test. It is perhaps most notable for its strains that are methicillin-resistant or its ability to cause toxic shock syndrome (TSS)
What is Staphylococcus aureus?
These Gram-Negative bacilli are identified for producing H2S in TSI agar, but are most commonly known for causing gastrointestinal distress and for their spread from animals to humans (aside from the typhi species).
What are Salmonella spp.?
This Gram-Positive branching filamentous bacterium is a normal part of the oral, reproductive, and GI microbiota. It is not acid-fast and, while it contains the machinery to respire if needed, it thrives in environments with little to no oxygen.
What is Actinomyces?
This Gram-negative coccobacillus can be cultured on chocolate agar and spread through respiratory droplets. A vaccine containing its Type B capsular polysaccharide is recommended for children between 2 and 18 months of age.
What is Haemophilus influenzae?
This Gram-negative diplococcus, though it cannot metabolize maltose, is known for its unpleasant symptoms and typical sexual or perinatal transmission.
What is Neisseria Gonorrhoeae?
This Gram-Positive coccus, known colloquially for its "A" serotype, can cause Scarlet fever or toxic shock-like syndrome. It can be identified through a culture on blood agar that reveals complete hemolysis and is sensitive to treatment with Bacitracin.
What is Streptococcus pyogenes?
**Daily Double (200 pts for each)** These Gram-negative bacilli are known for their quick fermentation of lactose. You may have heard of them recently for their presence in produce or as a cause of healthcare-associated UTIs.
What are Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterobacter?
These Gram-positive bacilli are obligate anaerobes known for forming spores and producing toxins. Examples of their toxins include Tetanus toxin, Botulinum toxin, and Alpha toxin.
What are Clostridium spp.?
This Gram-negative coccobacillus is more commonly known for the toxin it releases. Booster vaccines are recommended every 10 years for adults, and treatment includes Macrolides (Bactrim if allergic).
What is Bordetella pertussis?
This Gram-negative curved rod is triple-positive for catalase, oxidase, and urease and preferentially colonizes the acidic stomach mucosa. Consider asking your doctor to run a breath test or stool sample test before it creates peptic ulcers.
What is Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)?
This Gram-positive coccus is optochin-sensitive and produces a faint green halo on blood agar. It's most notorious for causing MOPS.
What is Streptococcus pneumoniae?
** Daily Double (300 points for each)** These Gram-Negative bacilli are commonly found in soil, wastewater, and the human intestinal tract. While they can metabolize lactose, it takes them a while to do so.
What are Citrobacter and Serratia?
This Gram-Positive, branching, filamentous bacterium is known for causing pulmonary infections in immunocompromised patients. It is normally found in the soil, is weakly acid-fast, and relies on aerobic metabolism. Infection is treated with sulfonamides.
What is Nocardia?
This Gram-negative coccobacillus can be transmitted through animal products and is known for its ability to survive macrophage detection. The fevers, night sweats, and arthralgia it can cause are treated with a combination of doxycycline and rifampin or streptomycin.
What is Brucella?
This Gram-negative diplococcus is known for its ability to metabolize maltose and has an optional (but recommended) serotype B vaccine available for children ages 16-23.
What is Neisseria Meningitidis?
This Gram-positive coccus, known colloquially for its "B" serotype, is beta-hemolytic on blood agar and resistant to bacitracin. While it can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis like many other bacteria, this organism is seen most commonly in infants.
What is Staphylococcus agalactiae?
This Gram-negative, oxidase-positive bacillus cannot metabolize lactose and is known for its increased virulence in acidic environments. Its capsule is a bad actor for the cystic fibrosis community, as it may contribute to chronic pneumonia.
What is Pseudomonas?
This Gram-positive, intracellular bacillus is acquired by ingesting unpasteurized dairy products and can be transmitted through transplantation and vaginal delivery. It relies on aerobic respiration and is treated with ampicillin.
What is Listeria?
This Gram-negative coccobacillus typically inhabits the mouths and respiratory tracts of many animals. It is known for rapid progression to symptoms within 24 hours of an animal bite and high penicillin sensitivity.
What is Pasturella?
This Gram-Negative Curved Rod grows in alkaline media and releases Type III (intracellular) endotoxins that cause profuse fluid and electrolyte loss leading to characteristic "rice water" stools
What is Vibrio cholerae?
This Gram-positive coccus is normally found in the female genital tract and is known for being the second-leading cause of uncomplicated UTIs. Unlike its counterpart, Staphylococcus epidermidis, this pathogen is novobiocin-resistant.
What is Staphylococcus saprophyticus?
This Gram-negative bacillus does not produce H2S on TSI agar, spreads only cell-to-cell, and is known for its low infectious dose, high acid tolerance, and production of an enterotoxin that causes abdominal cramping.
What is Shigella?
These Gram-Positive bacilli species are aerobic and spore-forming. More lethal forms of their toxins lead to anthrax, while milder forms can cause gastrointestinal distress (food poisoning).
What are Bacillus spp.?
This Gram-negative coccobacillus is known for its multidrug resistance due to its high genetic plasticity, biofilm formation, and ability to survive on dry and artificial surfaces.
What is Acinetobacter baumannii?
This Gram-negative curved rod is known for its resistance to high temperatures. It can be spread through fecal-oral transmission or ingestion of contaminated poultry, meat, or dairy. It is a major cause of bloody diarrhea in children.
What is Campylobacter jejuni?