July 2023

FRCPath tips
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 […]

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Vaccine
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 […]

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Vaccine
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 […]

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Antifungal
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, […]

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Guideline
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

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Microbiology update
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. […]

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Guideline
Staphylococcus endocarditis: Comparison – AHA, ESC and BSAC guidelines.

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Bacteria
Turicella otitidis

The Bacteria: Turicella otitidis is an anaerobic, non-motile, pleomorphic, gram-positive bacillus – similar to coryneform but longer.It produces a convex whitish/cream-coloured non-haemolytic colony.CAMP test positiveDNase and Catalase positive.Oxidase negative. It is often misidentified as Corynebacterium by some commercial systems. See the Pinterest images here: Pathogenicity – Otitis media Turicella is a commensal of the external […]

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FRCPath tips
What resources do I need to use for FRCPath Microbiology?

FRCPath Microbiology questions are heavily drawn from British and some international guidelines, recent developments relevant to the UK, and recent journal articles (review, meta-analysis, important research articles). Reading books may not be sufficient for these exams, especially for part 2. Here is a list of resources that you should read - Curriculum You must go […]

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Infection control
Management of needlestick injury

This is a study note on managing needlestick/sharps injury or body-fluid exposure. This is not a clinical guideline and must not be used for clinical use. Please discuss this with your doctor, who will be able to advise you based on the most relevant local/regional or national guidelines. First aid Needlestick or Sharps injury – […]

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