Two licensed shingles vaccines are available in the UK: Zostavax® and Shingrix®. Zostavax® Shingrix® Live vaccine? Live attenuated vaccine Recombinant vaccine (Not live) Strain/ component Derived from the OKA/Merck strain of the Varicella Zoster Virus Contains varicella-zoster virus glycoprotein E antigen produced by recombinant DNA technology, adjuvanted with AS01B Route The vaccine is given IM or Subcutaneous, preferably in the…
Introduction There are various types of E coli that live in the environment and our intestines. Although most live inside our bowel harmlessly and even be beneficial, some E coli may cause infection, like UTI, bacteraemia, gastroenteritis etc. The E coli causing gastroenteritis could be divided into six phenotypes – Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) [or EHEC/VTEC]…
Please note this is a study note, keeping the exam in mind. This is not a guideline and should not be used for that purpose. It is not for clinical use either. You should contact your doctor for clinical advice. Blood donation screening ORGANISM MANDATORY TEST ADDITIONAL TEST HIV anti-HIV 1+2 or HIV 1+2 Ag/Ab…
The Bacteria Rothia belongs to the family Micrococcaceae – the same family as Micrococcus spp., Stomatococcus spp. and Kocuria spp. There are 8 species of Rothia – but only Rothia dentocariosa and Rothia mucilaginosa has been associated with human disease. It is a member of the mouth and upper respiratory tract flora. Laboratory Infection Rothia…
Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a single-stranded RNA virus with a negative sense, non-segmental RNA. It is an enveloped virus with many proteins, which help perform various functions like Attachment to the host cell, the fusion of host cell membranes, ion channels, viral assembly, RNA binding, transcription, phosphorylation, immune evasion etc. The virus may have a…
by Dr Katherine Watson (2016) This article was written in 2016. However, the suggested documents are still very much relevant. Some subjects and links have been updated and new links to replace broken links. Here are some of the resources that I used in preparation for FRCPath part 2, April 2016 Bristol. One of the…
A 45 years-old Italian farmer visiting the UK has presented to the A&E with severe and persistent headaches, insomnia, neck stiffness, and confusion. His wife mentioned noticing some personality changes and odd behaviour recently. He had a fever for the last few days but refused to visit the hospital.He does not have any rash. He…
by Dr Joanna Lumb, Consultant, Microbiology This article was written in 2014. However, this advice is very relevant, not only to FRCPath, but is transferrable to any exam. Preparing for a professional exam is a long-haul process, taking several months. As such, normal life needs to continue in the meantime – paid employment, on calls,…
Plesiomonas shigelloides characteristics Plesiomonas shigelloides is a gram-negative bacillus that derived its name from the ancient Greek word plēsíon, which means “near” or “neighbour”, as it was considered near or related to the bacteria Aeromonas. It is mostly found in freshwater, estuarine, or brackish water environments. It can be found in animals living in these environments,…
What is inflammation? Inflammation is part of the complex biological response of body tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. Inflammation is a process that removes or reduces harmful stimuli to help with the healing process. Cardinal signs of inflammation: There are 5 cardinal signs of inflammation. They are – Loss…
