Microbiology E-Learning Compilation
BED
Table of Content
Introduction to Microbiology
Classification of Microbes
Bacterial Morphology & Physiology
Bacterial Genetics
Overview of Bacterial Infection
Pathogenesis of Bacterial Infection
Introduction to Viruses
Fungi
Contributors:
Noor Khairiah Kamaludin
Abdul Rasyid Nasir
Ahmad Zafrullah Afham Ahmad Fikri
Nur Hamizah Che Hashim
Muhammad Iqbal A Ghani
Editor:
Muhammad Iqbal A Ghani
Disclaimer
All the materials belong and copyrighted to Microbiology Department of RCSI. The compilation only meant to be helping the student
studying throughout the haunting IC1 Microbiology Module. We, the contributors do not held any responsibility regarding the material.
This copy cans freely circulating for student by no business means – if you pay for this, ask your money back-. Specially for RCSI Buddies
2008-2013. The Editor would like to thank the contributors for the effort and everything and those who invole directly or indirectly. Credit
to Microsoft Word 2007 and Adobe Acrobat Pro Extended.
,What is Microbiology?
Microbiology is the biology of microscopic organisms. In this particular course
we concentrate on those of medical significance, in particular those that cause
human illness, i.e. medical microbiology. This includes bacteria, viruses, fungi
and protozoa. The larger organisms, including helminths or worms will however
be more comprehensive ly covered in the tropical medicine course.
Importance of Microbiology
Microbiology is important for a number of reasons, some of which are outlined
below:
Infection is important; respiratory tract infection (RTI) and diarrhoeal
diseases are the two most important causes of mortality world- wide.
Many new and emerging infections, especially in immunocompromised
patients, e.g. Acinetobacter bloodstream infection or bacteraemia, or those
that are of worldwide importance, e.g. avian influenza.
Antimicrobial drug resistance a major problem, e.g. meticillin-
resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Fundamental to our understanding of many other specialities such as
paediatrics, surgery etc, e.g. appendicitis, cystic fibrosis.
Many chronic illnesses are increasingly believed to have an infectious
origin, e.g. duodenal ulcers and Helicobacter pylori.
Course Objectives
The objectives of the course are to understand:
The properties and general characteristics of the major organis m groups,
i.e. viruses, bacteria, etc.
Basic physiological characteristics of microbes relevant to medicine e.g.
morphology, metabolism, genetics, etc.
How microbes cause disease.
Key features of the major pathogens in virology, bacteriology, etc.
Laboratory methods to diagnose infection, and how to use the laboratory
intelligently.
Prevention of community-, hospital- & occupationally-acquired infection
including vaccination.
, Broad princip les of antimicrobial chemotherapy and the specific treatment
of life-threatening infections.
About the Course
This course consists of a number of teaching modalities and each is considered
important for the student to acquire a good knowledge of the subject and its
significance. Microbiology is delivered over two semesters and as a component of a
number of modules, e.g. biology and epidemiology of disease, cardio-respiratory
diseases etc. It is important also that students use opportunities presented to seek
further clarification of areas incompletely understood, or to discuss specific areas of
interest.
LECTURES - provide overview and highlight the key points.
DEMONSTRATIONS - explain laboratory features, translate theory into practice.
CASE-BASED TUTORIALS - further explanation, problem solving and revision.
Active participation of students in the tutorials is essential.
What's New?
The in- house produced lecture notes, originally provided to students in hard copy
form, provide considerable reading material for the student, have proven popular in
the past, and compliment the lectures and the tutorials. They have been updated and
revised into a Q & A format to facilitate self-directed learning and formative
assessment.
, CLASSIFICATION OF MICROBES
Microbes
What is included under the general terms of 'microbiology'?
The correct answer is: Microbiology is a broad discipline covering viruses, bacteria, fungi
and protozoa. Prions are also often included in microbiology, but it is dubious if these are
true microbes. The subjects of virology, bacteriology, molecular biology, immunology,
mycology, and parasitology are all true disciplines in their own right. In addition, research
in microbiology has stimulated the emergence of the revolutionary new disciplines of
molecular genetics and biotechnology.
How are microbes classified?
The correct answer is: All organisms are classified using the binomial system. The
fundamental units of this system are "species" (similar, interbreeding organisms), which in
turn are grouped into a "genus". Organisms are identified by two names indicating the
genus and species e.g. Homo sapiens and Escherichia coli.
Which microbes are prokaryotes and which are eukaryotes?
The correct answer is: Microorganisms are classified as eukaryotes (fungi and protozoa),
prokaryotes (bacteria) and viruses. Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus, which is separated
from the cytoplasm by a membrane. In addition the DNA of the eukaryotic nucleus is
divided into individual units known as chromosomes. Eukaryotic cells contain other
membrane bound structures, such as mitochondria, Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic
reticulum.
VIRUSES
What are viruses?
Viruses are nucleic acid fragments that are enclosed within a protein shell. Viruses
arenot cells and cannot produce their own metabolic energy nor can they replicate on
their own. Therefore they are obligate intracellular parasites and
are absolutelydependent on host cells. Upon entry into a host cell, they disassemble
and construct new virus particles using host- and virus-encoded enzymes. Viruses are
classified according to their shape, structure and nucleic acid content.
What is basic structure of viruses?
The nucleic acid and enzymes of virus particles are contained within a protein shell
termed the capsid. Capsids protect the viral nucleic acid from digestion by host cell
enzymes and also serve as adhesins to aid attachment and invasion of host cells. Some
viruses have a host cell-derived envelope, acquired by budding through a host
membrane, surrounding the capsid. The presence of an envelope can also be used in
classification. Viruses can be separated into three major groups on the basis of whether
they have icosahedral (6 sided), helical (circular) or complex capsids.
Do viruses contain RNA and DNA?
No. Viruses may contain DNA or RNA but never both. Thus viruses can be described as
DNA viruses or RNA viruses. In addition the nucleic acid may be double stranded or
single stranded; linear or circular. Most viruses are haploid except retroviruses, which are
diploid.
BED
Table of Content
Introduction to Microbiology
Classification of Microbes
Bacterial Morphology & Physiology
Bacterial Genetics
Overview of Bacterial Infection
Pathogenesis of Bacterial Infection
Introduction to Viruses
Fungi
Contributors:
Noor Khairiah Kamaludin
Abdul Rasyid Nasir
Ahmad Zafrullah Afham Ahmad Fikri
Nur Hamizah Che Hashim
Muhammad Iqbal A Ghani
Editor:
Muhammad Iqbal A Ghani
Disclaimer
All the materials belong and copyrighted to Microbiology Department of RCSI. The compilation only meant to be helping the student
studying throughout the haunting IC1 Microbiology Module. We, the contributors do not held any responsibility regarding the material.
This copy cans freely circulating for student by no business means – if you pay for this, ask your money back-. Specially for RCSI Buddies
2008-2013. The Editor would like to thank the contributors for the effort and everything and those who invole directly or indirectly. Credit
to Microsoft Word 2007 and Adobe Acrobat Pro Extended.
,What is Microbiology?
Microbiology is the biology of microscopic organisms. In this particular course
we concentrate on those of medical significance, in particular those that cause
human illness, i.e. medical microbiology. This includes bacteria, viruses, fungi
and protozoa. The larger organisms, including helminths or worms will however
be more comprehensive ly covered in the tropical medicine course.
Importance of Microbiology
Microbiology is important for a number of reasons, some of which are outlined
below:
Infection is important; respiratory tract infection (RTI) and diarrhoeal
diseases are the two most important causes of mortality world- wide.
Many new and emerging infections, especially in immunocompromised
patients, e.g. Acinetobacter bloodstream infection or bacteraemia, or those
that are of worldwide importance, e.g. avian influenza.
Antimicrobial drug resistance a major problem, e.g. meticillin-
resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Fundamental to our understanding of many other specialities such as
paediatrics, surgery etc, e.g. appendicitis, cystic fibrosis.
Many chronic illnesses are increasingly believed to have an infectious
origin, e.g. duodenal ulcers and Helicobacter pylori.
Course Objectives
The objectives of the course are to understand:
The properties and general characteristics of the major organis m groups,
i.e. viruses, bacteria, etc.
Basic physiological characteristics of microbes relevant to medicine e.g.
morphology, metabolism, genetics, etc.
How microbes cause disease.
Key features of the major pathogens in virology, bacteriology, etc.
Laboratory methods to diagnose infection, and how to use the laboratory
intelligently.
Prevention of community-, hospital- & occupationally-acquired infection
including vaccination.
, Broad princip les of antimicrobial chemotherapy and the specific treatment
of life-threatening infections.
About the Course
This course consists of a number of teaching modalities and each is considered
important for the student to acquire a good knowledge of the subject and its
significance. Microbiology is delivered over two semesters and as a component of a
number of modules, e.g. biology and epidemiology of disease, cardio-respiratory
diseases etc. It is important also that students use opportunities presented to seek
further clarification of areas incompletely understood, or to discuss specific areas of
interest.
LECTURES - provide overview and highlight the key points.
DEMONSTRATIONS - explain laboratory features, translate theory into practice.
CASE-BASED TUTORIALS - further explanation, problem solving and revision.
Active participation of students in the tutorials is essential.
What's New?
The in- house produced lecture notes, originally provided to students in hard copy
form, provide considerable reading material for the student, have proven popular in
the past, and compliment the lectures and the tutorials. They have been updated and
revised into a Q & A format to facilitate self-directed learning and formative
assessment.
, CLASSIFICATION OF MICROBES
Microbes
What is included under the general terms of 'microbiology'?
The correct answer is: Microbiology is a broad discipline covering viruses, bacteria, fungi
and protozoa. Prions are also often included in microbiology, but it is dubious if these are
true microbes. The subjects of virology, bacteriology, molecular biology, immunology,
mycology, and parasitology are all true disciplines in their own right. In addition, research
in microbiology has stimulated the emergence of the revolutionary new disciplines of
molecular genetics and biotechnology.
How are microbes classified?
The correct answer is: All organisms are classified using the binomial system. The
fundamental units of this system are "species" (similar, interbreeding organisms), which in
turn are grouped into a "genus". Organisms are identified by two names indicating the
genus and species e.g. Homo sapiens and Escherichia coli.
Which microbes are prokaryotes and which are eukaryotes?
The correct answer is: Microorganisms are classified as eukaryotes (fungi and protozoa),
prokaryotes (bacteria) and viruses. Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus, which is separated
from the cytoplasm by a membrane. In addition the DNA of the eukaryotic nucleus is
divided into individual units known as chromosomes. Eukaryotic cells contain other
membrane bound structures, such as mitochondria, Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic
reticulum.
VIRUSES
What are viruses?
Viruses are nucleic acid fragments that are enclosed within a protein shell. Viruses
arenot cells and cannot produce their own metabolic energy nor can they replicate on
their own. Therefore they are obligate intracellular parasites and
are absolutelydependent on host cells. Upon entry into a host cell, they disassemble
and construct new virus particles using host- and virus-encoded enzymes. Viruses are
classified according to their shape, structure and nucleic acid content.
What is basic structure of viruses?
The nucleic acid and enzymes of virus particles are contained within a protein shell
termed the capsid. Capsids protect the viral nucleic acid from digestion by host cell
enzymes and also serve as adhesins to aid attachment and invasion of host cells. Some
viruses have a host cell-derived envelope, acquired by budding through a host
membrane, surrounding the capsid. The presence of an envelope can also be used in
classification. Viruses can be separated into three major groups on the basis of whether
they have icosahedral (6 sided), helical (circular) or complex capsids.
Do viruses contain RNA and DNA?
No. Viruses may contain DNA or RNA but never both. Thus viruses can be described as
DNA viruses or RNA viruses. In addition the nucleic acid may be double stranded or
single stranded; linear or circular. Most viruses are haploid except retroviruses, which are
diploid.
