BIO 2100 Unit 11 Note Guide Fungal, Protozoan & Helminthic Infections – Wilkerson (Galen College of Nursing) 2026

USLO 11.1 Vocabulary to define: • Culture-A sample of a microorganism that is grown in the laboratory. • Phenotype-Characteristics of a microorganism that are observable without examining the organism’s genes. • Morphology-The shape and size of a microorganism or a colony of microorganisms. • Genotype-The genetic characteristic of a microorganism • Molecular-Refers to techniques that require examination of an organism's DNA or RNA • Serological-Refers to techniques that rely on antigen-antibody interactions to identify microorganisms. • Dichotomous Key-A flow-chart used to differentiate microorganisms based on a series of "yes/no" questions. • Epitope-A molecular pattern on the surface of a cell that can bind with an antibody. • Media-A substance that is used to grow microorganisms in the laboratory. • Enteric-Microorganism that lives in the digestive tract. • Coliform-Microorganisms that live in the colon. • Karyotype-a map of the chromosome/s in an organism The four criteria for using culture-based techniques on a patient sample: 1. The sample must be collected, stored and transported properly. 2. The target organism must be present in high enough numbers to be detectable. 3. The target organism must be viable. 4. The target organism must be culturable. Culture Characteristics: 1. Colony morphology (3 characteristics) • Form-basic shape • Elevation-flat, raised, convex, pulvinate, umbonate • Margin-shape of outline 2. Color. What is the typical color of a colony? • White, tan, or beige 3. Other test: a. Motility agar-bacteria’s ability to move b. Hemolysis-the breakdown of red blood cells by bacterial colonies visible as a halo. Microscopy and staining 1. Characteristic morphology from general purpose staining 2. Gram staining and source of swab 3. Acid fast stain 4. Fluorescent microscopy. Be sure you know the role of antibodies in this technique Describe each test: 1. Sulfur Indole Motility Agar • Sulfur: Can the organism break down cystine and release H2S? • Indole: Can the organism degrade tryptophan? • Motility: Can the organism move? 2. Methyl-Red Voges-Proskauer-Purpose: to differentiate between enteric, lactose fermenting bacteria; Two-part test: • Methyl Red Test: is the organism producing strong acid fermentation products?