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Ibrexafungerp: A novel antifungal
Ibrexafungerp, an enfumafungin derivative, belongs to a new family called triterpenoid antifungals.This is a new class called “-fungerp”. This antifungal class inhibits glucan synthetase required for fungal cell wall synthesis. One of the major antifungal class echinocandins also acts by this mechanism and has been used since 2001. Echinocandins, however, have poor bioavailability and are…
Aspergillus niger
The Fungus: Identification: It initially forms white colonies with a yellow back, which quickly becomes black. Conidia is rough, brownish-black, biseriate, and covers the entire vesicle. A key feature in diagnosing A. niger infection is the presence of calcium oxalate crystals on pathological examination. The presence of crystals can be taken as an indication of A niger…
Cardiobacterium spp (C hominis, C valvarum)
Bacteria: Microaerophilic, pleomorphic gram-negative bacillus often with swelling of one or both ends and retained crystal violet dye at the poles.It is a part of the normal flora of the nose and throat. Culture and identification: Culture API 20NE – may misidentify it as Pasteurella.MALDI ToF16s rRNA PCR Clinical presentation: Antibiotic susceptibility: Variable susceptibility: Treatment is…
Mechanism of resistance in Enterococcus
Enterococci are intrinsically resistant to many classes of antibiotics – like cephalosporins, Aminoglycoside (low-level resistance), macrolides, clindamycin, quinupristin-dalfopristin (E faecalis), Fusidic acid, Sulfonamide [EUCAST], which limits our options when we try to treat Enterococcal infections. Most clinical infections are caused by Enterococcus faecalis, followed by Enterococcus faecium.Other Enterococci occasionally isolated from the clinical specimen are…
Shingles vaccine: study note
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…
SMI Summary: Investigation of bone marrow
Because it is an invasive procedure, bone marrow biopsy (typically collected from the posterior iliac crest or the sternum) is rarely used. It’s also proposed that it shouldn’t be done on people who are immune-competent.It may be useful in the diagnosis of infection in immunocompromised patients (HIV, transplant patients, or patients on high-dose steroids), caused…
Quick observations on the exam (Part 1/CICE) – by a successful overseas candidate
2023 Spring exam experience: I have recently sat for this exam this Spring. My account is like this. I think everyone has different strengths and weaknesses and different learning styles so adapt it accordingly. For Part 1, we need to know bits and bobs about a lot of things. And there was not a time,…
Question – SAQ/OSPE
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…
