CMLT 2114 - Clinical Microbiology I

• By the end of this course, students will be able to:
• Describe the basic principles of microbiology and the classification of microorganisms.
• Perform standard microbiological techniques for the isolation and identification of pathogens.
• Interpret the clinical significance of microbial findings in patient specimens.
• Apply infection control measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
• Outline antimicrobial therapy and resistance mechanisms.

• Students develop higher order thinking skills.
• Students employ active reading strategies to extract and construct meaning and educational value from texts and media.

Topics list

•  Introduction to Microbiology:

History and scope of microbiology

Classification and taxonomy of microorganisms

Structure and function of bacterial cells

•  Bacterial Pathogens and Diseases:

Gram-positive cocci: Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Enterococcus

Gram-negative cocci: Neisseria, Moraxella

Gram-positive bacilli: Bacillus, Clostridium, Corynebacterium

Gram-negative bacilli: Escherichia, Salmonella, Shigella, Pseudomonas

•  Fungal and Parasitic Infections:

Common pathogenic fungi: Candida, Aspergillus, Cryptococcus

Overview of parasitic infections: Protozoa and helminths

•  Microbiological Techniques:

Specimen collection, handling, and transport

Staining techniques: Gram stain, acid-fast stain

Culture methods and media

Biochemical and serological identification tests

•  Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing:

Principles of antimicrobial therapy

Methods for testing antimicrobial susceptibility

Interpretation of susceptibility results and clinical implications

•  Infection Control:

Sterilization and disinfection methods

Standard precautions and isolation procedures

Outbreak investigation and management

•  Clinical Correlation and Case Studies:

Case studies of common infectious diseases

Interpretation of laboratory results in clinical context

Role of the clinical microbiologist in patient care

Learning activities

Lectures: In-person or online sessions covering theoretical aspects.

Laboratory Practicals: Hands-on training in microbiological techniques.

Case Studies: Real-world scenarios to illustrate clinical applications.

Guest Speakers: Insights from experienced microbiologists.

Assignments and Quizzes: Regular assessments to reinforce learning.

Assessments

• The final exam is a course comprehensive exam. Results of the departmental finals will be submitted to the coordinator as part of course outcome assessment. The test will cover a select number of the core learning outcomes.