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…
Epidemiology Norovirus is the most common cause of epidemic gastroenteritis worldwide. In the UK, norovirus outbreak is usually seen in the winter months. The virus Norovirus is a small non-enveloped RNA virus of the caliciviridae family. It has ten genogroups, but I, II and IV are primarily implicated in human infection. Genogroup II is most…
Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection transmitted to humans from animals (cattle, goats, sheep) via The UK is a non-endemic country. Most brucella cases in the UK are imported cases with links to Mediterranean or Middle Eastern countries. However, Brucella is also endemic in Central Asia, China, South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and some parts of Middle and…
Necrotising fasciitis (NF): It is an infection of the subcutaneous tissue/fat and fascia of the skin. It spreads rapidly along the fascial plane. Muscles are less commonly affected/ affected later in the disease due to better blood supply. Classification Types Organism Note Type 1 – polymicrobial/synergistic Aerobic and anaerobic bacteria Often derived from gut/bowel Type…
