MICROBIOLOGY BLOG FOR STUDENTS is an educational blog aimed towards microbiology aspirants, as well as associated medical students, and aims to provide vital microbiology updates and information.
Introduction
Cryptococcus neoformans is a pathogenic yeast known for causing cryptococcosis, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS. This organism is encapsulated and primarily found in the environment, especially in bird droppings and decaying organic matter. C. neoformans is notable for its ability to cause severe meningitis and meningoencephalitis, particularly in people with weakened immune systems (Kwon-Chung & Fraser, 1992).
Serratia marcescens
1. Introduction to Serratia marcescens
Serratia marcescens is a Gram-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium that belongs to the family Enterobacteriaceae. It is an opportunistic pathogen, known for causing infections in both immunocompromised and healthy individuals. While S. marcescens can be found in various environmental habitats, including soil, water, and food, it is also a common cause of nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections, particularly in patients with compromised immune systems (Zong et al., 2020). It is notable for its ability to produce a distinctive red pigment, prodigiosin, which gives colonies a characteristic red appearance (Pratt et al., 2018).
Acinetobacter baumannii
1. Introduction to Acinetobacter baumannii
Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative, non-motile, oxidase-negative, coccobacillus that belongs to the genus Acinetobacter. It is a facultative anaerobe, meaning it can grow in the presence or absence of oxygen. A. baumannii is a major opportunistic pathogen known for its multi-drug resistance (MDR) and extensive resistance to antibiotics, making it a significant threat in hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and among immunocompromised patients. It is responsible for a wide range of infections, including pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound infections, and urinary tract infections (Penwell et al., 2020; Peleg et al., 2021).
Francisella tularensis
1. Introduction to Francisella tularensis
Francisella tularensis is a highly virulent, Gram-negative bacterium and the causative agent of tularemia, also known as rabbit fever. It is an aerobic, non-spore-forming coccobacillus that can cause severe illness in humans, with symptoms ranging from mild to life-threatening. It is considered a potential bioterrorism agent due to its high infectivity and low infectious dose (Conlan et al., 2019; Keim et al., 2019).
Vibrio cholerae
1. Introduction to Vibrio cholerae
Vibrio cholerae is a Gram-negative, curved rod-shaped, facultatively anaerobic bacterium that causes cholera, a severe diarrheal disease characterized by rapid fluid loss, dehydration, and, if untreated, can be fatal. The disease primarily spreads through contaminated water or food and has been a major cause of pandemics throughout history (Ali et al., 2019).