Board of Certification Review

Microbiology
Dropbox Comprehensive Packet

Directions for Dropbox Packet:

Organism Diseases or Infections Gram stain Results Media Rapid, Kit testing, antibiotics *KEY IDENTIFYING TESTS*
Staphylococcus Isolated from abscesses, Gram positive cocci Beta hemolytic sheep Catalase + MSA yellow fermenting
aureus wounds, and carbuncles arranged in blood agar Coagulase + (clumping factor colonies
Enterotoxin causes food clusters MSA yellow fermenting and protein A) Coagulase
poisoning, pneumonia, colonies PYR –
osteomyelitis, Beta lactamase + These test results
endocarditis, SSS, TSS Bacitracin Resistant (R) differentiate this organism
Oxidase - from others
Staphylococcus Non-pathogenic Gram positive cocci Gamma hemolytic sheep Catalase + Biofilm production;
epidermidis bacteria, cause UTIs and arranged in blood agar Coagulase: neg (--) D-trehalose: neg (--);
infections of catheters clusters Novobiocin (S) Polymyxin B: (R)
and shunts Bacitracin Resistant (R)
Oxidase -
Staphylococcus Significant only in UTIs Gram positive cocci MSA, non-fermenting Catalase + Novobiocin: (R);
saprophyticus arranged in growth Coagulase: neg (--) D-mannose: neg (--)
clusters Novobiocin: (R)
Bacitracin Resistant (R)
Oxidase -
Staphylococcus Endocarditis Gram positive cocci BAP: β-hemo, wrinkled, Catalase + How is this organism
lugdunensis arranged in opaque white, medium- Coagulase + (with non-latex differentiated from
clusters sized colonies testing plasma due to Staphylococcus aureus?
MSA: small, pink to red clumping factor) Tube coagulase rxn: neg;
colonies (non- Bacitracin Resistant (R) Ornithine decarboxylase +;
fermenting) Oxidase - β-galactosidase: neg (--)
Micrococcus spp Pulmonary infections in Gram positive cocci Gamma hemolytic sheep Catalase + Modified oxidase +;
immunocompromised often arranged in blood agar, colonies Coagulase: neg (--) Bacitracin: (S)
hosts, bacteremia, tetrads and larger have yellow pigment Bacitracin susceptible (S)
endocarditis, meningitis than Staph spp Oxidase +
Streptococcus Bacterial pharyngitis, Gram positive cocci SBA: β-hemo, small, Catalase: neg (--) β-hemo;
pyogenes impetigo, erysipelas, in short chains transparent, smooth Bacitracin: (S) Bacitracin: (S);
cellulitis, scarlet fever, colonies Vancomycin: (S) PYR +
necrotizing fasciitis, Optochin: (R)
streptococcal toxic SMZ: (R)
shock syndrome, PYR +
rheumatic fever, acute
glomerulonephritis
Streptococcus Pharyngitis, impetigo, Gram positive cocci Blood agar: large β-hemo Catalase: neg (--) β-hemo;
dysgalactiae pyogenic infections colonies Bacitracin: (R) Hippurate/PYR/CAMP: neg;
Vancomycin: (S) Bile esculin/6.5% NaCl: neg
Optochin: (R)
SMZ: (S)
Hippurate/PYR/CAMP: neg
Bile esculin/6.5% NaCl: neg
Streptococcus Neonatal sepsis, Gram positive cocci SBA: small zone of β- Catalase: neg (--) Small zone of β-hemo;
agalactiae meningitis, puerperal in short and long hemo, grayish white Bacitracin: (R) Hippurate +
fever, pyogenic chains mucoid colonies Vancomycin: (S) CAMP + (arrowhead
infections Optochin: (R) hemolysis)
SMZ: (R)
Hippurate +
CAMP +

Group D Endocarditis, UTIs, Gram positive cocci BAP: small α- or γ-hemo Catalase: neg (--) α- or γ-hemo;
Streptococcus spp. pyogenic infections in chains colonies Bacitracin: (R) Bile esculin +;
Bile esculin: turns media Vancomycin: (S) 6.5% NaCl: neg (--)
black Optochin: (R)
SMZ: (V)
Hippurate/PYR/CAMP: neg
Bile esculin +
6.5% NaCl: neg (--)
Streptococcus Pyogenic infections, Gram positive cocci BAP: small α- or γ-hemo Catalase: neg (--) α- or γ-hemo;
viridans endocarditis, dental in chains colonies Bacitracin: (R) Hippurate/PYR/CAMP: neg;
caries, abscesses in Vancomycin: (S) Bile esculin/6.5% NaCl: neg
various tissues Optochin: (R)
SMZ: (S)
Hippurate/PYR/CAMP: neg
Bile esculin/6.5% NaCl: neg
Streptococcus Pneumonia, meningitis, Gram positive cocci BAP: small α-hemo Catalase: neg (--) α-hemo;
pneumoniae pyogenic infections in chains colonies Bacitracin: (S) Optochin: (S)
 Vancomycin: (S)
Optochin: (S)
SMZ: (S)
Hippurate/PYR/CAMP: neg
Bile esculin/6.5% NaCl: neg
Enterococcus UTIs, pyogenic Gram positive cocci BAP: small β-, α-, or γ- Pseudocatalase rxn Tellurite +;
faecalis infections chains hemo colonies Hippurate/CAMP: neg (--) PYR +;
Bile esculin: turns media PYR + Bile esculin/6.5% NaCl +
black Bile esculin/6.5% NaCl +
Gemella spp Endocarditis, wounds, Gram positive cocci BAP: tiny α- or γ-hemo Catalase: neg (--) α- or γ-hemo;
and abscesses (but easily colonies β-lactams: (S) Vancomycin: (S);
decolorized) in Vancomycin: (S) PYR/LAP +;
pairs, tetrads, PYR/LAP + 6.5% NaCl: neg (--)
clusters, or short
chains
Leuconostoc spp Meningitis, bacteremia, Gram positive cocci BAP: small α-hemo Catalase: neg (--) PYR/LAP: neg (--);
UTIs, and pulmonary (irregular coccoid) colonies Vancomycin: (R) Bile esculin/6.5% NaCl +;
infections PYR/LAP: neg (--) Gas production from
Bile esculin/6.5% NaCl + glucose
Indole: neg (--)
Gas production from glucose
Abiotrophia Bacteremia, Gram positive cocci SBA: satellite colonies Catalase: neg (--) α-galactosidase +;
defective endocarditis, and otitis around other bacteria; α-galactosidase + Lactose/trehalose +;
media requires sulfhydryl β-galactosidase + Pullulan +
compounds for growth β-glucuronidase: neg (--)
Hippurate/arginine: neg (--)
Trehalose +
Granulicatella Bacteremia, Gram positive cocci SBA: satellite colonies Catalase: neg (--) β-glucuronidase +;
adiacens endocarditis, and otitis around other bacteria; α-galactosidase: neg (--) Tagatose +
media requires sulfhydryl β-galactosidase +
compounds for growth β-glucuronidase +
Hippurate/arginine: neg (--)
Granulicatella Bacteremia, Gram positive cocci SBA: satellite colonies Catalase: neg (--) β-galactosidase: neg (--);
elegans endocarditis, and otitis around other bacteria; α-galactosidase: neg (--) α-fucosidase: neg (--);
media requires sulfhydryl β-galactosidase: neg (--) Arginine/hippurate +;
compounds for growth β-glucuronidase: neg (--) Maltose: neg (--)
Hippurate/arginine +
Listeria Listeriosis (most Gram positive SBA: narrow zone of β- Catalase + β-hemo;
monocytogenes important in pregnant coccobacilli (Gram hemo, small, round, Umbrella motility @ RT Catalase +;
 women, newborns, and variable in older smooth, translucent Hippurate/bile esculin + Umbrella motility;
immunocompromised cultures) found colonies CAMP + (block hemolysis) Block hemolysis in CAMP;
hosts) singly, in short 6.5% NaCl + Glucose +;
chains, or in MRVP +
palisades
Corynebacterium Respiratory and Gram positive SBA: very small zone of Catalase + Tinsdale halo +;
diphtheriae cutaneous diphtheria bacilli (slightly β-hemo Nonmotile Urease: neg (--);
curved, “club- CTBA: black colonies w/ Glucose/maltose + Nitrate +
shaped”) in brown halos Urease: neg (--)
palisades or V and Nitrate +
L formations
Corynebacterium Prosthetic valve Gram positive BAP: pinpoint, smooth Catalase + Tinsdale halo: neg (--);
jeikeium endocarditis, bacilli (slightly white colonies w/ Nonmotile Urease: neg (--);
septicemia, meningitis, curved, “club- metallic sheen Glucose/sucrose: neg (--); Nitrate: neg (--)
prosthetic joint shaped”) in Maltose: (V)
infections, skin palisades or V and Urease: neg (--)
complications L formations Nitrate: neg (--)

Corynebacterium UTIs Gram positive BAP: γ-hemo, pinpoint, Catalase + Tinsdale halo: neg (--);
urealyticum bacilli (slightly white colonies Nonmotile Glucose: neg (--);
curved, “club- Glucose: neg (--) Maltose: neg (--);
shaped”) in Maltose: neg (--) Sucrose: neg (--);
palisades or V and Sucrose: neg (--) Urease +;
L formations Urease + Nitrate: neg (--)
Nitrate: neg (--)
Arcanobacterium Sepsis, wound Gram positive SBA: small colonies w/ Catalase: neg (--) β-hemo;
(haemolyticum) infections, bacteremia, bacilli (many are narrow zone of β-hemo; H2S: neg (--) Exhibits reverse CAMP rxn
UTIs, septic arthritis, pleomorphic) w/ black opaque dot on agar Nonmotile (Camp inhibition rxn);
pharyngitis, soft tissue some rudimentary when scraped away, Esculin: neg (--) CAMP + if S. agalactiae
infections, endocarditis branching pitting of agar beneath Glucose + used
colony Nitrate/urease: neg (--)
Erythromycin: (S)
Penicillin: (R)
Erysipelothrix Erysipeloid, septicemia, Gram positive thin SBA: γ-hemo, pinpoint to Catalase: neg (--) H2S +;
rhusiopathiae endocarditis, pleomorphic rod larger, rough colonies w/ α- or γ-hemo Urease: neg (--);
generalized diffuse w/ tendency to flat matte surface, curled H2S/glucose + VP: neg (--);
cutaneous infection form long filaments structure, and irregular Nonmotile Esculin: neg (--);
 edges Esculin/nitrate/urease: neg Growth in gelatin stab
VP: neg (--) culture yields “test tube
Vancomycin: (R) brush-like” pattern @ 22°C
Penicillin: (S)
Norcardia Rarely pathogenic; Gram positive CHOC: chalky, matte, Partially acid-fast + Identification through:
asteroides other species cause branched, beaded velvety, or powdery Nitrate/urea + 1) substrate hydrolysis
pulmonary and bacilli appearance; white, (casein, tyrosine, xanthine,
cutaneous infections yellow, pink, orange, and hypoxanthine; 2) other
(nocardiosis), as well as peach, tan, or gray; can substrate and carbohydrate
disseminated infections have dry, crumbly use (arylsulfatase, gelatin
resulting in brain appearance similar to liquefaction, and carb use);
abscesses breadcrumbs 3) antimicrobial
susceptibility profile; and 4)
fatty acid analysis by HPLC

Bacillus anthracis Anthrax (cutaneous, Gram positive or SBA: γ-hemo, large, gray, Catalase + Bamboo rod appearance
inhalation, Gram variable, flat colonies w/ an γ-hemo/nonmotile when in chains;
gastrointestinal, and square-ended irregular margin Glucose + γ-hemo/nonmotile;
injectional) bacilli that form (Medusa head Mannitol: neg (--) India ink stain to detect
endospores; found appearance) Arabinose: neg (--) capsule production;
singly or in chains Xylose: neg (--) “String of pearls” rxn +;
Lecithinase + (egg-yolk agar) Gelatin/salicin: neg (--)
Grows in high salt (7% NaCl)
Penicillin: (S)
Bacillus cereus Food poisoning Gram positive SBA: β-hemo, frosted Catalase + β-hemo/motile;
(diarrheal and emetic), bacilli that form glass-appearing colony β-hemo/motile “String of pearls” rxn: neg;
eye infections, endospores Lecithinase + (egg-yolk agar) Gelatin/salicin +
meningitis, septicemia, Penicillin: (R)
endocarditis,
osteomyelitis
Neisseria Gonorrhea, pelvic Gram negative CHOC: small, gray to tan, Catalase/oxidase + Glucose +;
gonorrhoeae inflammatory disease, diplococci (kidney translucent, raised Nonmotile Hydroxyprolyl-
anorectal and shape) colonies Glucose + aminopeptidase +
oropharyngeal Nitrate: neg (--)
infections, ophthalmia
 neonatorum
Neisseria Meningitis, Gram negative CHOC: up to 5 different Catalase/oxidase + Glucose/maltose +;
meningitidis meningococcemia, diplococci colony morphologies; Nonmotile γ-glutamyl
pneumonia, purulent bluish gray/tan or Glucose/maltose + aminopeptidase +
arthritis, yellowish; mucoid, Nitrate: neg (--)
endophthalmitis, translucent, and convex
conjunctivitis, urethritis, w/ smooth glistening
Waterhouse- surface; greenish cast in
Friderichsen syndrome agar around colonies
Kingella kingae Important pathogen in Gram negative SBA: β-hemo, large white Catalase: neg (--) Catalase: neg (--);
pediatric population short coccoid to beige, smooth, convex Oxidase + Nitrite: neg (--);
(degenerative joint and bacilli w/ square colonies; or a spreading, Nonmotile Hydroxyprolyl-
bone infections), HACEK ends and in chains corroding colony; may Glucose/maltose + aminopeptidase +
endocarditis produce a yellow-brown Sucrose: neg (--)
pigment Nitrate +
Penicillin: (S)

Kingella Bacteremia and Gram negative CHOC: small, gray, Catalase: neg (--) Catalase: neg (--);
denitrificans abscesses short coccoid semitransparent, convex Superoxol: neg (--) Nitrite: neg (--);
bacilli w/ square colonies, may pit agar Oxidase + Hydroxyprolyl-
ends and in chains Nonmotile aminopeptidase +;
Glucose/nitrate + Superoxol: neg (--)
Urease/indole/esculin: neg
Gelatin/citrate: neg (--)
Penicillin: (S)
Moraxella Upper and lower Gram negative CHOC: grayish white, Catalase/oxidase + Asaccharolytic;
catarrhalis respiratory tract diplococci opaque colonies; may DNase + DNase +;
infections, acute otitis have elevated center and Nitrate/nitrite + Nitrate/nitrite +;
media and sinusitis in thinner, wavelike Butyrate esterase + Butyrate esterase +
children, endocarditis, periphery (“wagon β-lactamase +
meningitis, bacterial wheel”); can be swept
tracheitis across plate intact
(“hockey puck”)
Escherichia coli Bacteriuria, septicemia, Gram negative, SBA: β-hemo, large, Oxidase: neg (--) β-hemo;
neonatal sepsis, non-spore-forming moist, gray colonies Glucose/nitrate/indole + Motile;
meningitis (CNS bacilli and MAC: pink colonies (LF) Lactose/trehalose/xylose + MR/lactose +;
infections), diarrheal coccobacilli EMB: colony has green Motile VP/PYR/Citrate: neg (--)
syndrome, UTIs, metallic sheen H2S/PAD: neg (--)
infantile diarrhea, TSI: K/A H2S- or A/A H2S- DNase/urease: neg (--)
 hemorrhagic diarrhea,
colitis, HUS, dysentery,
Traveler’s diarrhea,
pediatric diarrhea
Shigella Shigellosis, diarrhea, Gram negative, HE: clear, green, non- Oxidase/urease: neg (--) Nonmotile;
dysenteriae dysentery, HUS non-spore-forming lactose-fermenting Glucose/nitrate + ODC/mannitol: neg (--)
bacilli colonies Nonmotile
TSI: K/A H2S- H2S/LDC: neg (--)
Shigella flexneri Shigellosis, diarrhea, Gram negative, HE: clear, green, non- Oxidase/urease: neg (--) Nonmotile;
dysentery non-spore-forming lactose-fermenting Glucose/nitrate + Mannitol +;
bacilli colonies Nonmotile ONPG/ODC: neg (--);
TSI: K/A H2S- H2S/LDC: neg (--) Gas production from
glucose
Shigella boydii Shigellosis, diarrhea, Gram negative, HE: clear, green, non- Oxidase/urease: neg (--) Nonmotile;
dysentery non-spore-forming lactose-fermenting Glucose/nitrate + Mannitol +;
bacilli colonies Nonmotile ODC: neg (--)
TSI: K/A H2S- H2S/LDC: neg (--)
Shigella sonnei Shigellosis, diarrhea, Gram negative, MAC: pink colonies (LF) Oxidase/urease: neg (--) Nonmotile;
dysentery non-spore-forming after 48 hrs Glucose/nitrate + Mannitol +;
bacilli TSI: K/A H2S- Nonmotile ONPG/ODC +
H2S/LDC: neg (--)
Klebsiella Bacteriuria, pneumonia, Gram negative, SBA: large and very Oxidase: neg (--) Nonmotile;
pneumoniae septicemia, lower non-spore-forming mucoid colonies Glucose/nitrate + VP/LDC/citrate +;
respiratory tract bacilli MAC: large, pink (LF), Nonmotile MR/indole: neg (--);
infections, wound mucoid colonies H2S/ODC/ADH: neg (--) KCN/mannitol +;
infections, UTIs, liver TSI: A/A H2S- Urease + Gas production from
abscesses, bacteremia glucose
Klebsiella oxytoca Bacteriuria, pneumonia, Gram negative, SBA: large and very Oxidase: neg (--) Nonmotile;
septicemia, non-spore-forming mucoid colonies Glucose/nitrate + VP/citrate/indole +;
hemorrhagic colitis bacilli MAC: large, pink (LF), Nonmotile MR: neg (--);
mucoid colonies H2S: neg (--) KCN/mannitol +;
TSI: A/A H2S- Urease + Gas production from
glucose
Klebsiella Bacteriuria, pneumonia, Gram negative, SBA: large and very Oxidase: neg (--) Nonmotile;
granulomatis septicemia non-spore-forming mucoid colonies Glucose/nitrate + VP/citrate +;
bacilli TSI: A/A H2S- Nonmotile MR/indole: neg (--);
H2S: neg (--) KCN/mannitol +
Enterobacter Opportunistic and Gram negative, SBA: large and very Oxidase: neg (--) Motile;
cloacae hospital-acquired non-spore-forming mucoid colonies Glucose/nitrate + VP/KCN/ODC/citrate +;
 infection, wound bacilli MAC: large, pink (LF), ADH + MR/LDC: neg (--)
infections, septicemia, mucoid colonies
bacteriuria TSI: A/A H2S-
Serratia Opportunistic and Gram negative, CHOC: large, moist, pink Oxidase: neg (--) Motile;
marcescens hospital-acquired non-spore-forming to red colonies Glucose/nitrate + VP/ONPG/DNase/citrate +;
infection, wound bacilli MAC: large, moist, brick- H2S/lactose/urease: neg (--) MR/indole: neg (--)
infections, septicemia, red colonies LDC/ODC +
bacteriuria TSI: K/A H2S- or A/A H2S- PAD/ADH: neg (--)
Salmonella Salmonellosis, acute Gram negative, MAC: clear, colorless, Oxidase: neg (--) Motile; H2S +;
enterica gastroenteritis, food non-spore-forming non-lactose-fermenting Glucose/nitrate + MR/LDC/ODC/citrate +;
poisoning, septicemia, bacilli colonies H2S + VP/indole/urease: neg (--);
enteric fever, diarrhea, HE/XLD: colonies w/ PAD/lactose: neg (--);
bacteremia black centers Mannitol/trehalose +
TSI: K/A H2S+

Salmonella typhi Typhoid fever, Gram negative, MAC: clear, colorless, Oxidase: neg (--) Motile; H2S +;
septicemia, enteric non-spore-forming non-lactose-fermenting Glucose/nitrate + MR/LDC +;
fever, diarrhea, bacilli colonies H2S + VP/indole/urease: neg (--);
bacteremia HE/XLD: colonies w/ PAD/ODC: neg (--);
black centers lactose/citrate: neg (--);
TSI: K/A H2S+ Mannitol/trehalose +
Proteus vulgaris Bacteriuria, wound Gram negative, SBA: swarming colonies Oxidase: neg (--) Motile; H2S + or neg (--);
infection, septicemia, non-spore-forming w/ “burnt chocolate” Glucose/nitrate/urease + MR/KCN/PAD/indole +;
UTIs, acute bacilli odor Sucrose/maltose/xylose + VP/ODC: neg (--)
glomerulonephritis TSI: A/A H2S+ Lactose: neg (--)
H2S + or neg (--)
Proteus mirabilis Bacteriuria, wound Gram negative, SBA: swarming colonies Oxidase: neg (--) Motile; H2S +;
infection, septicemia, non-spore-forming w/ “burnt chocolate” Glucose/nitrate/urease + MR/KCN/PAD/ODC +;
UTIs, acute bacilli odor Xylose/Citrate + Indole: neg (--);
glomerulonephritis TSI: K/A H2S+ Lactose: neg (--) VP: + or neg (--)
H2S +
Yersinia pestis Plague Gram negative, YSA/CIN: colonies w/ red Oxidase: neg (--) Nonmotile;
short, plump centers (mannitol Glucose/nitrate + Urease/MR/mannitol +;
bacilli; bipolar fermenter) Nonmotile VP/citrate/indole: neg (--);
staining (“safety- TSI: K/A H2S- ODC/Urease: neg (--)
pin”) in methylene
blue/Wayson stain
Yersinia Erythema nodosum, Gram negative YSA/CIN: colonies w/ red Oxidase: neg (--) Nonmotile @37°C;
enterocolitica mesenteric adenitis, bipolar staining centers (mannitol Glucose/nitrate + Motile @25°C;
 mediastinal coccobacilli fermenter) Nonmotile Urease/MR/mannitol +;
lymphadenitis, ODC/sucrose/cellobiose +;
septicemia, diarrhea VP@37°C/citrate: neg (--)
Yersinia Mesenteric adenitis, Gram negative, YSA/CIN: colonies w/ red Oxidase: neg (--) Nonmotile @37°C;
pseudotuberculosi mediastinal short, plump, centers (mannitol Glucose/nitrate + Motile @25°C;
s lymphadenitis, bipolar staining fermenter) Nonmotile Urease/MR/mannitol +;
septicemia, pneumonia bacilli VP/citrate/indole: neg (--);
ODC: neg (--);
Rhamnose/melibiose +;
Trehalose +
Edwardsiella Diarrhea, wound Gram negative, SBA/CHOC: large, moist, Oxidase: neg (--) Motile; H2S +;
tarda infection, septicemia, non-spore-forming gray colonies Glucose/nitrate/LDC + MR/indole +;
meningitis, enteric bacilli TSI: K/A H2S+ Urease: neg (--) VP/citrate: neg (--)
fever, bacteremia H2S +
Citrobacter Opportunistic and Gram negative, SBA/CHOC: large, moist, Oxidase: neg (--) Motile; H2S + or neg (--);
freundii hospital-acquired non-spore-forming gray colonies Glucose/nitrate + MR/citrate/urease +;
infections (wound, bacilli MAC: pink colonies (LF) H2S + or neg (--) VP/LDC: neg (--);
urinary), pneumonias, TSI: A/A H2S+ or K/A H2S+ Mannitol +
intraabdominal
abscesses, endocarditis
Morganella Opportunistic and Gram negative, SBA/CHOC: large, moist, Oxidase: neg (--) Motile; does not swarm;
morganii hospital-acquired non-spore-forming gray colonies Glucose/nitrate/urease + MR/indole +;
infections, UTIs, bacilli TSI: K/A H2S- H2S: neg (--) VP/citrate: neg (--)
neonatal sepsis ODC/PAD +
Providencia Opportunistic and Gram negative, SBA/CHOC: large, moist, Oxidase: neg (--) Motile; does not swarm;
rettgeri hospital-acquired non-spore-forming gray colonies Glucose/nitrate/urease + MR/indole/citrate +;
infection, wound bacilli TSI: K/A H2S- Mannitol/adonitol/arabitol + VP: neg (--)
infections, septicemia, PAD +
bacteriuria, diarrheal H2S/ODC: neg (--)
disease
Haemophilis Meningitis, epiglottitis, Gram negative, CHOC: translucent, Catalase/oxidase/nitrate + Requires X and V factors;
influenza arthritis, cellulitis, acute pleomorphic tannish, moist, smooth, Nonmotile Porphyrin: neg (--);
pharyngitis, pneumonia, coccobacilli or rods convex colonies w/ Shows satellitism;
otitis media, bronchitis, mousy or bleach-like Glucose +;
sinusitis, genital tract odor Indole/urease: V
infections SBA: shows satellitism
Horse/rabbit blood: no
hemolysis
Haemophilis Chancroid/genital ulcer Gram negative CHOC: small, flat, Catalase/oxidase: neg (--) Requires X factor;
ducreyi disease coccobacilli smooth, nonmucoid, Nitrate + Porphyrin: neg (--);
arranged in groups transparent to opaque Nonmotile No satellitism;
(“school of fish”) (or tan or yellow) Glucose/sucrose: neg (--);
colonies Lactose: neg (--);
Horse/rabbit blood: +/- Indole/urease: neg (--)
for hemolysis
Haemophilis Pink eye, Brazilian Gram negative, CHOC: translucent, Catalase/oxidase/nitrate + Requires X and V factors;
aegyptius purpuric fever pleomorphic tannish, moist, smooth, Nonmotile Porphyrin: neg (--);
coccobacilli or rods convex colonies Shows satellitism;
SBA: shows satellitism Glucose/urease +;
Horse/rabbit blood: no Indole: neg (--)
hemolysis

Haemophilis Endocarditis, bite Gram negative, CHOC: raised, convex, Catalase: neg (--) Porphyrin +;
aphrophilus wound infections pleomorphic granular, and yellow w/ Oxidase: V No satellitism;
(A. aphrophilus) coccobacilli or rods opaque zone near center Nitrate + Lactose/ONPG +;
Horse/rabbit blood: no X factor-dependent and - Glucose/sucrose +;
hemolysis independent strains Indole/urease: neg (--)
Nonmotile
Haemophilis Generally Gram negative, CHOC: translucent, Catalase/oxidase/nitrate + Requires X and V factors;
haemolyticus nonpathogenic, pleomorphic tannish, moist, smooth, Nonmotile Porphyrin: neg (--);
endocarditis coccobacilli or rods convex colonies Shows satellitism;
SBA: shows satellitism Glucose/urease +
Horse/rabbit blood: + for
hemolysis
Haemophilis Endocarditis Gram negative, CHOC: tannish, dry, Catalase: V Requires V factor;
parainfluenza pleomorphic medium to large colonies Oxidase/nitrate + Porphyrin +;
coccobacilli or rods SBA: shows satellitism Nonmotile Shows satellitism;
Horse/rabbit blood: no Glucose/sucrose +
hemolysis
Haemophilis Endocarditis, bite Gram negative, CHOC: raised, convex, Catalase: neg (--) Porphyrin +;
paraphrophilus wound infections pleomorphic granular, and yellow w/ Oxidase: V No satellitism;
(A. aphrophilus) coccobacilli or rods opaque zone near center Nitrate + Lactose/ONPG +;
Horse/rabbit blood: no X factor-dependent and - Glucose/sucrose +;
hemolysis independent strains; Indole/urease: neg (--)
Nonmotile
Pseudomonas Wound and burn Gram negative, TSI: K/K Catalase/Oxidase + Grapelike (fruity) odor;
aeruginosa infections, UTIs, nonfermenting MAC: can grow; blue- Motile Produces pyoverdin and
bacteremia, bacilli green colonies w/ sweet Glucose/xylose + pyocyanin;
 endocarditis, pulmonary or grape-like odor Lactose/maltose: neg (--) ADH/citrate/fluorescein +
and ear infections, skin SBA: β-hemo, flat, Urease +
rashes spreading colonies w/
metallic sheen
Stenotrophomona Pneumonia, Gram negative, Blood agar: lavender to Catalase + Oxidase: neg (--);
s maltophilia endocarditis, nonfermenting lavender-green colonies Oxidase: neg (--) DNase/LDC/ONPG +;
bacteremia, meningitis, bacilli TSI: K/K Motile Esculin/gelatin +
UTIs MAC: can grow; bluish Maltose +
colonies SXT: (S)

Burkholderia Nosocomial pathogen, Gram negative, TSI: K/K Oxidase + Motile;

cepacia pneumonia, nonfermenting MAC: can grow Motile LDC/ONPG +;
endocarditis, UTIs, bacilli OFPBL agar: yellow Glucose/maltose + ODC: neg (--)
osteomyelitis, colonies Lactose/mannitol +
dermatitis, wound PC agar: white colonies Nitrate: neg (--)
infections surrounded by a pink-red
pigment
Burkholderia Glanders, acute Gram negative, TSI: K/K Oxidase: V Glucose/nitrate/ADH +
mallei pulmonary infections nonfermenting MAC: can grow Nonmotile
coccobacilli Glucose/nitrate/ADH +
Polymyxins: (R)
Burkholderia Melioidosis Gram negative, TSI: K/K Oxidase + Glucose/lactose/maltose +;
pseudomallei nonfermenting, MAC: can grow Motile Xylose/mannitol +
bipolar staining SBA: Wrinkled colonies Glucose/lactose/maltose +
bacilli Ashdown media: deep Xylose/mannitol +
pink colonies w/ earthy
odor
Acinetobacter UTIs, pneumonia, Gram negative, TSI: K/K Catalase + Nonmotile;
endocarditis, broad coccobacilli MAC: can grow; purple Oxidase: neg (--) Oxidase: neg (--);
septicemia, meningitis, colonies Nonmotile Mannitol/esculin: neg (--);
wound/burn/eye Urease: V ONPG/nitrate/indole: neg
infections Mannitol/esculin: neg (--)
ONPG/nitrate/indole: neg (--)
Carbapenems: (R)
Francisella Tularemia Gram negative CHOC: gray-white, Catalase: + Beta-lactamase +;
small, non-spore- smooth, raised colonies Oxidase/urease: neg (--) Citrulline ureidase (CTU) +;
forming, bacilli Nonmotile Glycerol +;
Glucose/maltose + H2S + (in cysteine-
 Lactose/sucrose: neg (--) supplemented medium)
Indole/nitrate: neg (--)
Brucella melitensis Brucellosis (undulant Gram negative SBA: smooth, raised, Catalase/oxidase/urease + Serum agglutination +;
fever) coccobacilli or rods translucent colonies Nonmotile H2S/thionine/fuchsin: neg
Serum agglutination +
Brucella abortus Brucellosis (undulant Gram negative SBA: smooth, raised, Catalase/oxidase/urease + H2S (lead acetate) +;
fever) coccobacilli or rods translucent colonies Nonmotile Thionine +
Serum agglutination +
Brucella suis Brucellosis (undulant Gram negative SBA: smooth, raised, Catalase/oxidase/urease + H2S (lead acetate) +;
fever) coccobacilli or rods translucent colonies Nonmotile Fuchsin +
Serum agglutination +
Brucella canis Brucellosis (undulant Gram negative SBA: smooth, raised, Catalase/oxidase/urease + Serum agglutination: neg;
fever) coccobacilli or rods translucent colonies Nonmotile Fuchsin +
Serum agglutination: neg
Bordetella Pertussis (whooping Gram negative, Charcoal agar: smooth, Catalase/oxidase + No growth on blood agar
pertussis cough) small coccobacilli glistening, silver pinpoint Nonmotile and MAC;
or rods colonies (“mercury Urease/nitrate: neg (--) Urease: neg (--)
droplets”)
Bordet-Gengou agar:
hemolytic colonies
Bordetella Pertussis (whooping Gram negative, Charcoal agar: smooth, Catalase + Growth on blood agar;
parapertussis cough) small coccobacilli glistening, silver pinpoint Oxidase/nitrate: neg (--) No growth on MAC;
or rods colonies (“mercury Nonmotile Oxidase: neg (--)
droplets”) Urease + (after 24 hrs)
Bordet-Gengou agar:
hemolytic colonies
Bordetella Respiratory and wound Gram negative, Charcoal agar: smooth, Catalase/oxidase + Growth on blood agar and
bronchiseptica infections small coccobacilli glistening, silver pinpoint Motile MAC;
or rods colonies (“mercury Nitrate + Motile;
droplets”) Urease + (after 4 hrs) Nitrate +;
Urease + (after 4 hrs)
Actinobacillus Endocarditis, Gram negative, SBA: γ-hemo, small, Catalase/glucose + No growth on MAC;
(A. periodontitis, sinusitis, small coccobacilli translucent, sticky Oxidase: V Morse-code appearance in
actinomycetemco bronchopneumonia, or rods w/ a colonies (adhere to Nonmotile Gram stain;
mitans) meningitis Morse-code agar); star shape (4-6 Lactose/sucrose: neg (--) Star formation in center of
appearance points) in center of Urease/indole: neg (--) colonies
colonies Esculin/citrate: neg (--)
Pasteurella Pasteurellosis, Gram negative, SBA: γ-hemo, grayish, Catalase/oxidase + Bipolar staining;
multocida cutaneous infections, ovoid or mucoid (after 24 hrs) Nonmotile ODC/indole +;
 respiratory tract filamentous, colonies; narrow green- Glucose + Urease: neg (--);
infections bipolar staining to-brown halo around Dulcitol/sorbitol +
coccobacilli or rods colony after 48 hrs
Eikenella Periodontitis, Gram negative, CHOC: colonies usually Catalase/ADC: neg (--) Require X factor;
corrodens endocarditis, meningitis, straight pit the agar and produce Oxidase/LDC/ODC + Catalase: neg (--);
empyema, pneumonia, coccobacilli a yellow pigment, have Nonmotile Asaccharolytic;
osteomyelitis, arthritis, chlorine bleach-like odor Asaccharolytic Colonies produce yellow
cellulitis, postoperative Penicillin: (S) pigment
tissue infections

Legionella spp Legionnaire’s disease, Gram negative, CHOC: requires L- Catalase/oxidase: weakly + Growth on BCYE;
Pontiac fever, thin, pleomorphic, cysteine for growth Asaccharolytic Requires L-cysteine for
legionellosis, weakly staining BCYE w/ L-cysteine: Urine antigen test + growth;
pneumonia, nosocomial bacilli grayish white or blue- Direct fluorescent antibody “Ground-glass” colony
infections green, convex, glistening (DFA) test + morphology
colonies; “ground-glass”
appearance of young
colonies
Chromobacterium Osteomyelitis, Gram negative MAC: violet colonies Catalase/oxidase + Produces violacein;
violaceum abscesses, septicemia, curved bacilli (produces violacein) Motile Ferments glucose;
urine and GI infections Glucose/nitrate+ Variably ferments sucrose;
Indole: neg (--) Nitrate +;
β-lactams: (R) Indole: neg (--)
Gardnerella Bacterial vaginosis, UTIs Gram positive SBA: pinpoint, γ-hemo Catalase: neg (--) Catalase: neg (--);
vaginalis coccobacilli or rod; colonies Oxidase: neg (--) Oxidase: neg (--);
short, pleomorphic HBT: β-hemo, small, Glucose + Hippurate/urease +
often stains gram- gray, opaque colonies Hippurate/urease +
variable or gram- Nonmotile
negative Esculin: neg (--)
Bartonella Bartonellosis (cat- Gram negative, TSA: circular, elevated, Catalase/oxidase: neg (--) Requires X factor;
scratch disease), trench nonfermenting, smooth, whitish- Indole/urease/citrate: neg (--) Catalase/oxidase: neg (--);
fever, carrion’s fever, pleomorphic, translucent colonies Indole/urease/citrate: neg
endocarditis slightly curved rods
in clumps
Cardiobacterium Endocarditis, infects Gram negative CHOC: smooth, opaque Catalase: neg (--) Rosette morphology;
hominis aortic valve, meningitis pleomorphic colonies that adhere to Oxidase/indole + Glucose/sucrose +;
straight bacilli in agar (or may pit agar) Nonmotile Mannitol/maltose +;
spindles or rosettes Urease/nitrate: neg (--) Indole +;
Gelatin/esculin: neg (--) Catalase: neg (--)
 Penicillin: (S)
Streptobacillus Rat-bite fever Gram negative TSA: circular, convex, Catalase/oxidase: neg (--) ADH +;
moniliformis pleomorphic bacilli smooth, shiny, grayish Indole/nitrate: neg (--) Catalase/oxidase: neg (--);
w/ lateral bulbar colonies; “fried egg” Citrate/urease: neg (--) Indole/nitrate: neg (--);
swellings in appearance w/ further Glucose + Citrate/urease: neg (--)
filamentous, non- growth Nonmotile
branching chains

Vibrio cholerae Cholera, gastroenteritis, Gram negative, SBA: α- or β-hemo; Catalase/oxidase/glucose + String test +;
wound/ear infections, small, straight or smooth, opaque, Sucrose/nitrate/6.5% NaCl + Grows w/o extra salt;
bacteremia, septicemia, curved, medium to large, VP +
pleomorphic bacilli iridescent colonies w/ a
greenish hue
TCBS: yellow colonies
Mueller-Hinton: sensitive
to O/129
Vibrio Gastroenteritis, wound Gram negative, SBA: α- or β-hemo; Catalase/oxidase/glucose + String test +;
parahaemolyticus infections small, straight or smooth, opaque, Nitrate/6.5% NaCl + Lactose: neg (--);
curved bacilli medium to large, LDC + Grows in 3-10% salt
iridescent colonies w/ a VP: neg (--)
greenish hue
TCBS: green colonies
Mueller-Hinton: sensitive
to O/129
Vibrio vulnificus Septicemia, wound Gram negative, SBA: α- or β-hemo; Catalase/oxidase/glucose + String test +;
infections small, straight or smooth, opaque, Lactose + Lactose +;
curved bacilli medium to large, Nitrate/6.5% NaCl + Cellobiose/salicin +;
iridescent colonies w/ a LDC + Grows in 3-6% salt
greenish hue VP: neg (--)
TCBS: green colonies
MAC: pink colonies (LF)
Mueller-Hinton: sensitive
to O/129
Vibrio Wound/ear/respiratory Gram negative, SBA: α- or β-hemo; Catalase/oxidase/glucose + String test +;
alginolyticus infections, small, straight or smooth, opaque, Sucrose/nitrate/6.5% NaCl + VP +;
conjunctivitis, curved bacilli medium to large, LDC + Grows in 3-10% salt
bacteremia iridescent colonies w/ a
greenish hue
TCBS: yellow colonies
 Mueller-Hinton: sensitive
to O/129

Aeromonas Diarrhea, HUS, Gram negative SBA: β-hemo, large, Oxidase/indole + String test: neg (--);
hydrophila septicemia, meningitis, straight bacilli round, raised, opaque Glucose/sucrose + O/129: (R);
wound infections, colonies w/ a smooth, Arabinose/mannitol + Gas production from
osteomyelitis, pelvic often mucoid, surface VP/ADH/LDC/esculin + glucose;
abscesses, otitis, cystitis, CIN: pink-centered ODC/Cellobiose: neg (--) TCBS: no growth
endocarditis, peritonitis, colonies (mannitol Motile
cholecystitis, keratitis, fermenter) w/ uneven, 6.5% NaCl: neg (--)
endophthalmitis clear apron Penicillin: (R)
Plesiomonas Gastroenteritis Gram negative SBA: shiny, opaque, Oxidase + Inositol +;
shigelloides straight bacilli that smooth colonies w/ Glucose/lactose + LDC/ODC/ADH +;
occur singly, in slightly raised center Motile Gelatin: neg (--);
pairs, or in short Inositol brilliant green 6.5% NaCl: neg (--) TCBS: no growth
chains bile agar: white to pink Ampicillin: (S)
colonies
CIN: opaque (non-
mannitol-fermenter)
colonies w/ opaque
apron
Campylobacter Most common cause of Gram negative, Campy-BAP: moist, Catalase/oxidase + Darting motility;
jejuni bacterial diarrhea WW curved rods that “runny”, spreading Nitrate + “Seagull wing” morphology;
have “seagull colonies that are flat or Urease: neg (--) Hippurate +;
wing” appearance round and raised (Darting) motility Indoxyl acetate hydrolysis +
Nalidixic acid: (S)
Cephalothin: (R)
Helicobacter Gastric/peptic/duodenal Gram negative, 7% lysed horse blood Catalase + Urea breath test);
pylori ulcers, type B gastritis, curved rods agar: small, translucent Nitrate: V Hippurate: neg (--);
chronic superficial to yellowish colonies Nalidixic acid: (R) Indoxyl acetate hydrolysis:
gastritis, gastrointestinal Blood agar: small, Cephalothin: (S) neg (--)
carcinoma translucent to pale
grayish colonies
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Gram positive Slow grower; Nonmotile PZA + = (R);
tuberculosis (primary/military/genito (resists Gram nonchromogen Niacin/nitrate + Niacin/nitrate +
urinary/skeletal) stain), beaded LJ media: raised, dry, 68°C catalase: neg (--)
bacilli rough, buff-colored SQ catalase: neg (--)
AFB: acid-fast colonies Arylsulfatase: neg (--)
bacilli that are Growth on T2H
slender and slightly
curved or straight
Auramine stain:
bright yellow-
orange bacilli
under UV light
Mycobacterium Hansen disease AFB Fails to grow in vitro Nonmotile Definitive laboratory
leprae (tuberculoid and (need armadillo diagnosis is development of
lepromatous leprosy) abdomen) disease in laboratory mice
following inoculation of
patient biopsy material to
mouse footpad
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Short acid-fast Slow grower; Nonmotile PZA +;
avium coccobacilli w/o nonchromogen Niacin/nitrate: neg (--) Niacin/nitrate: neg (--);
beading or LJ media: thin, Tween: neg (--) 68°C catalase +
banding; long, thin, transparent or opaque, 68°C catalase +
beaded bacilli in homogeneous smooth, SQ catalase: neg (--)
young cultures nonpigmented (yellow Arylsulfatase: neg (--)
w/ age) colonies Growth on T2H
Mycobacterium Nontuberculous Long AFB w/ Slow grower; Nonmotile Photochromogen;
kansasii mycobacteria (NTM) distinct photochromogen Niacin: neg (--) PZA +;
lung disease, chronic crossbanding Middlebrook 7H10: Nitrate/Tween + Nitrate/tween +;
pulmonary disease, smooth to rough 68°C catalase/SQ catalase + 68°C catalase/SQ catalase +
lymphadenitis, colonies w/ wavy edges Arylsulfatase: neg (--)
skin/joint/soft tissue and dark centers Growth on T2H
infections
Mycobacterium Cervical lymphadenitis Medium to long Slow grower; Nonmotile Scotochromogen;
scrofulaceum in children, pulmonary AFB scotochromogen Niacin/nitrate: neg (--) Niacin/nitrate: neg (--);
infections LJ media: smooth, light Tween: neg (--) Tween: neg (--);
 yellow to deep orange 68°C catalase/SQ catalase + 68°C catalase +;
colonies w/ dense Arylsulfatase: neg (--) SQ catalase +;
centers Urease + Urease +
Growth on T2H
Mycobacterium Mycobacteriosis (Buruli Moderately long Slow grower; Nonmotile Inert in most conventional
ulcerans ulcer) AFB w/o beading nonchromogen Niacin/nitrate: neg (--) biochemical tests;
or crossbanding LJ media: smooth or Tween: neg (--) 68°C catalase +
rough, nonpigmented or 68°C catalase +
lightly buff colonies SQ catalase: neg (--)
Arylsulfatase: neg (--)
Growth on T2H
Mycobacterium Cutaneous infections Moderately long to Slow grower; Nonmotile Photochromogen;
marinum (swimming pool long AFB w/ cross photochromogen Nitrate/iron uptake: neg (--) PZA +;
granuloma) barring LJ media: smooth to 68°C catalase: neg (--) Nitrate: neg (--);
rough, wrinkled colonies Tween/urease + 68°C catalase: neg (--);
Middlebrook 7H10: Growth on T2H Tween/urease +
smooth colonies
Colonies exposed to light
are a deep yellow color
Mycobacterium Submandibular Strongly acid-fast, Slow grower; Nonmotile Requires X factor;
haemophilium lymphadenitis, short, occasionally nonchromogen Niacin/nitrate/tween: neg (--) PZA +
subcutaneous nodules, curved bacilli w/o LJ media: rough to 68°C catalase: neg (--)
painful swellings, ulcers banding or smooth, nonpigmented SQ catalase: neg (--)
progressing to beading, and colonies Arylsulfatase: neg (--)
abscesses, draining arranged in tight Iron uptake: neg (--)
fistulas clusters or cords
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis See M. tuberculosis Slow grower; Nonmotile PZA: neg (--) = (S);
bovis nonchromogen Niacin/nitrate: neg (--) Niacin/nitrate: neg (--);
LJ media: small, granular, 68°C catalase: neg (--) No growth on T2H
rounded, nonpigmented SQ catalase: neg (--)
colonies w/ irregular Arylsulfatase: neg (--)
margins
Mycobacterium Skin/lung/bone/CNS/ Pleomorphic (long Rapid grower; Nonmotile Niacin: neg (--);
fortuitum soft tissue infections, and tapered to nonchromogen Niacin: neg (--) Nitrate/iron uptake +;
infection of prosthetic short and thick) LJ media: rough or 68°C catalase + Arylsulfatase +;
heart valves, localized AFB smooth, nonpigmented, SQ catalase/iron uptake + Growth on MAC
cutaneous infections creamy white, or buff Arylsulfatase/nitrate +
colonies Growth on T2H
Middlebrook 7H11:
 colonies have branching
filamentous extensions
and rough colonies w/
short aerial hyphae
Mycobacterium Disseminated cutaneous Strongly acid-fast, Rapid grower; Nonmotile Niacin/nitrate: neg (--);
chelonae infections, pleomorphic, thick nonchromogen Niacin/nitrate: neg (--) Iron uptake: neg (--);
skin/lung/bone/CNS bacilli LJ media: rough or SQ catalase + Arylsulfatase +;
infections, infection of smooth, nonpigmented Arylsulfatase + Sodium citrate +;
prosthetic heart valves to buff colonies Iron uptake: neg (--) Growth on MAC
Sodium citrate +
Growth on T2H
Mycobacterium Chronic lung disease, Strongly acid-fast, Rapid grower; Nonmotile Niacin/nitrate: neg (--);
abscessus otitis media, pleomorphic, thick nonchromogen Niacin/nitrate: neg (--) Sodium citrate: neg (--);
disseminated cutaneous bacilli LJ media: rough or SQ catalase + Inositol/mannitol: neg (--);
infections smooth, nonpigmented Growth on T2H Growth on MAC
to buff colonies
Mycobacterium Rare pathogen Moderate to long Slow grower; Nonmotile Scotochromogen;
gordonae AFB scotochromogen Tween + Tween +;
LJ media: smooth, yellow Nitrate: neg (--) Nitrate: neg (--)
or orange colonies
Bacteriodes Bacteremia, brain/liver Gram negative, BBE: large, convex, black- Vancomycin/kanamycin: (R) Bile resistant/esculin +;
fragilis abscess, female anaerobic, gray colonies w/ a dark Colistin: (R) Catalase +;
genitourinary tract pleomorphic precipitate (stippling) Bile resistant/esculin + Black-gray colonies on BBE
infections, coccobacilli or around areas of heavy Growth on KVLB and growth on KVLB
intraabdominal bacilli growth Indole/oxidase: neg (--)
infections, peritonitis, Catalase +
perineal/perirectal Urease/lipase/nitrate: neg (--)
infections, aspiration
pneumonia,
pleuropulmonary
infections
Prevotella Brain abscess Gram negative, KVLB: brown colonies Vancomycin/kanamycin: (R) KVLB: brown colonies;
melaninogenica anaerobic Colistin: V No growth on BBE;
coccobacilli Bile resistant/esculin: neg (--) Bile resistant/esculin: neg;
Red fluorescence + Red fluorescence +;
Indole/oxidase/catalase: neg Catalase: neg (--)
Urease/lipase/nitrate: neg (--)
Porphyromonas Brain abscess, Gram negative, Blood agar: small, Vancomycin: (S) Brick red or no
oral/sinus/dental anaerobic, tiny translucent or opaque, Kanamycin/colistin: (R) fluorescence;
 infections, aspiration coccobacilli brick red fluorescence Indole + Indole +
pneumonia, KVLB/BBE: no growth
pleuropulmonary
infections
Fusobacterium Bacteremia, brain/liver Gram negative, Blood agar: ground-glass Vancomycin: (R) No growth on KVLB;
nucleatum abscess, intraabdominal anaerobic, long or breadcrumb-like Kanamycin/colistin: (S) Chartreuse fluorescence +;
infections, peritonitis, bacilli that are colonies Bile resistant/esculin: neg (--) Lipase: neg (--)
perineal/perirectal fusiform or thin w/ BBE: no growth No growth on KVLB
infections, pointed ends Chartreuse fluorescence +
oral/sinus/dental Indole +
infections, aspiration Oxidase/catalase/urease: neg
pneumonia, Lipase/nitrate: neg (--)
pleuropulmonary
infections
Fusobacterium Lemierre’s disease, Gram negative, EYA: colony covered w/ Vancomycin: (R) Chartreuse fluorescence +;
necrophorum bacteremia, brain/liver anaerobic, large, an iridescent, Kanamycin/colistin: (S) Lipase +
abscess, intraabdominal pleomorphic bacilli multicolored sheen Bile resistant: neg (--)
infections, peritonitis, (“gasoline on water” or Growth on KVLB
perineal/perirectal “mother of pearl” Chartreuse fluorescence +
infections, appearance = lipase +) Indole/lipase +
oral/sinus/dental Oxidase/catalase: neg (--)
infections Urease/nitrate: neg (--)
Clostridium Food poisoning, Gram positive, Blood agar: double zone Vancomycin: (S) Double zone of β-
perfringens myonecrosis, anaerobic, large, of β-hemolysis, large, Indole: neg (--) hemolysis;
bacteremia, brain/liver square (boxcar) irregularly-shaped Lecithinase/gelatin/lactose + Lecithinase +;
abscess, female bacilli; rare colonies Nonmotile Nonmotile
genitourinary tract (subterminal) EYA: opaque zone
infections, spores around colony =
intraabdominal lecithinase +
infections, peritonitis,
perineal/perirectal
infections

Clostridium tetani Tetanus, bacteremia, Gram positive, Blood agar: smoothly Vancomycin: (S) Swarmer w/ terminal
brain/liver abscess, anaerobic bacilli; swarming but slow Indole: neg (--) spores
female genitourinary swollen terminal growing Gelatin +
tract infections, spores
 intraabdominal
infections, peritonitis,
perineal/perirectal
infections
Clostridium Botulism, bacteremia, Gram positive, Blood agar: variable Vancomycin: (S) Variable hemolysis;
botulinum brain/liver abscess, anaerobic bacilli; hemolysis, circular, Indole: neg (--) H2S/lipase +
female genitourinary subterminal and spindle, and rhizoid H2S/gelatin/lipase +
tract infections, free spores (medusa head) colonies
intraabdominal
infections, peritonitis,
perineal/perirectal
infections
Clostridium Antibiotic-associated Gram positive, Blood agar: large, flat Vancomycin: (S) Chartreuse fluorescence +;
difficile diarrhea, anaerobic, thin colonies; barnyard/horse Indole: neg (--) Colony morphology and
pseudomembranous bacilli; rare stable odor; chartreuse Fructose + odor
colitis, bacteremia, (subterminal) fluorescence
brain/liver abscess, spores CCFA: yellow, ground-
female genitourinary glass colonies
tract infections,
intraabdominal
infections, peritonitis,
perineal/perirectal
infections, myonecrosis
Clostridium Myonecrosis, Gram positive, Blood agar: β-hemo @ Vancomycin: (S) Swarmer w/ subterminal
septicum bacteremia, brain/liver anaerobic, thin 48 hrs, smoothly Indole: neg (--) spores;
abscess, female bacilli; subterminal swarming Lactose + Lactose +
genitourinary tract spores
infections,
intraabdominal
infections, peritonitis,
perineal/perirectal
infections
Actinomyces Actinomycosis, female Gram positive, CHOC: spider-like or Catalase/indole: neg (--) Molar tooth colony
israelii genitourinary tract anaerobic, straight wooly colonies; older morphology;
infections, aspiration to slightly curved, colonies have molar PYG: acetic acid, lactic acid,
pneumonia, short bacilli to long tooth appearance and succinic acid
pleuropulmonary branching production
infections filaments w/ a
beaded/banded
 appearance

Propionibacterium Actinomycosis (P. Gram positive, Blood agar: small, Indole/catalase + (P. acnes) PYG: propionic acid
acnes and P. propionicus), anaerobic, opaque, enamel white, Indole/catalase: neg (P. production
propionicus endocarditis (P. acnes), coryneform bacilli circular colonies propionicus)
bacteremia (P. acnes)
Mobiluncus Bacterial vaginosis Gram negative, Blood agar: smooth, Motile PYG: acetic acid, succinic
anaerobic, slender, glistening, convex, Catalase/oxidase: neg (--) acid
curved bacilli w/ circular, translucent Lactose: neg (--)
tapered ends colonies Mannitol/sorbitol: neg (--)
Lactobacillus Bacteremia, Gram positive, SBA: α-hemo, pinpoint Catalase/oxidase: neg (--) Catalase/oxidase: neg (--);
(Helps protect endocarditis, anaerobic, highly colonies; or medium, Citrate/nitrate: neg (--) IMVC: -/-/-/-;
host from intraabdominal pleomorphic bacilli rough, gray colonies Indole/gelatin: neg (--) Mannitol/ribose: neg (--)
urogenital abscesses, meningitis, MR/VP/urease: neg (--)
infections) oral infections, Mannitol/ribose: neg (--)
conjunctivitis Esculin +
Peptococcus niger Brain/lung abscess, Gram positive, Blood agar: colonies are Catalase + (weakly) Black colony and Gram
meningitis, aspiration anaerobic cocci initially black to olive stain;
pneumonia, gingivitis, green and become light Catalase + (weakly)
periodontal disease gray when exposed to air
Peptostreptococcu Bacteremia, female Gram positive, Blood agar: small, SPS: (S) SPS: (S);
s genitourinary tract anaerobic cocci in peaked, circular colonies Catalase/indole: neg (--) PYG: isobutyric acid,
infections, liver abscess, pairs and chains Urease/nitrate: neg (--) isovaleric acid, isocaproic
intraabdominal acid
infections, peritonitis,
perineal/perirectal
infections,
oral/sinus/dental
infections, aspiration
pneumonia,
pleuropulmonary
infections
Veillonella Osteomyelitis, Gram negative, Blood agar: small, Vancomycin: (R) Red fluorescence + (fades
endocarditis anaerobic, tiny, translucent or opaque, Kanamycin/colistin: (S) rapidly);
round to oval cocci brick red fluorescence Catalase + Indole: neg (--);
or diplococci KVLB/BBE: no growth Indole/urease: neg (--) PYG: acetic acid, propionic
acid
Chlamydia Trachoma, Obligate Requires cell culture: Inclusion morphology: round, Methods of detection
trachomatis lymphogranuloma intracellular commonly used for vacuolar; include: enzyme
venereum, Reiter pathogens; Gram detection include McCoy, Glycogen in inclusions: +; immunoassay (EIA),
syndrome, pelvic negative HEp-2, HeLa, and buffalo Elementary body direct fluorescent antibody
inflammatory disease, coccobacilli green monkey kidney morphology: round (DFA), polymerase chain
urethritis, cervicitis, reaction (PCR)
salpingitis, eye
infections, pneumonia
of newborns
Chlamydophila Pneumonia, pharyngitis, Obligate Requires cell culture in Inclusion morphology: round, Serologic tests for diagnosis
pneumoniae bronchitis intracellular human lines and HEp-2 dense; include complement
pathogens; Gram Glycogen in inclusions: neg; fixation (CF) and
negative Elementary body microimmunofluorescence
coccobacilli morphology: pear-shaped (MIF)
Chlamydophila Psittacosis, endocarditis, Obligate Isolation in culture not Inclusion morphology: Diagnosis based on
psittaci abortion intracellular routinely used or variable shape, dense; serologic evaluation
pathogens; Gram recommended Glycogen in inclusions: neg;
negative Elementary body
coccobacilli morphology: round
Rickettsia rickettsii Rocky Mountain spotted Obligate Isolation not Antibody detection: Serologic assays for
fever intracellular recommended immunofluorescent antibody diagnosis
pathogens; Gram (IFA) test considered gold
negative, short standard
bacilli
Rickettsia Louse-borne (epidemic) Obligate Isolation not Antibody detection: Serologic assays for
prowazekii typhus intracellular recommended immunofluorescent antibody diagnosis
pathogens; Gram (IFA) test considered gold
negative, short standard
bacilli
Rickettsia typhi Endemic/murine typhus Obligate Isolation not Antibody detection: Serologic assays for
intracellular recommended immunofluorescent antibody diagnosis
pathogens; Gram (IFA) test considered gold
negative, short standard
bacilli

Coxiella burnetiid Q (query) fever Obligate Isolation should be Whole blood and buffy coats Diagnosis based on NAATs
 intracellular attempted only in for detection (such as the PCR assay), EIA
pathogens; Gram biosafety lvl 3 facilities kits, and IFA (method of
negative, small, choice)
spore-forming
coccobacilli
Ehrlichia Human monocytic Obligate Isolation from peripheral Direct staining (Giemsa or NAATs are the most
chaffeensis ehrlichiosis intracellular blood: bacteria primarily Wright) of peripheral blood frequently used method for
pathogens; Gram found in monocytes smears or buffy coats for direct detection
negative morulae can be used for
coccobacilli diagnosis
Mycoplasma Primary atypical DNA fluorescent SP4 broth/agar: small, Requires glucose Detection by EIA (method
pneumoniae pneumonia (walking stain (such as spherical, granular of choice), IgM/IgG latex
pneumonia), bronchitis, acridine orange) colonies agglutination, IFA, or CF
pharyngitis used b/c not visible
by Gram stain:
pleomorphic
mollicutes
(permanently
lacking cell walls)
Mycoplasma Urogenital tract DNA fluorescent SP4 broth/agar: large, Requires arginine; Detection by culture
hominis infections, salpingitis, stain (such as fried egg colonies w/ Growth on SBS and CHOC (method of choice) and IgG
pyelonephritis, PID, acridine orange) vesiculated peripheral latex agglutination
postpartum fevers used b/c not visible zone
by Gram stain:
pleomorphic
mollicutes
(permanently
lacking cell walls)
Ureaplasma Urogenital tract DNA fluorescent Shepherd’s 10B arginine Requires urea and pH near Detection by culture using
urealyticum infections, stain (such as broth: tiny, spherical, 6.0 urease test
nongonococcal acridine orange) fried egg, granular
urethritis in men, used b/c not visible colonies
chorioamnionitis, by Gram stain:
congenital pneumonia, pleomorphic
chronic lung disease in mollicutes
premature infants (permanently
lacking cell walls)

Mycology Table Directions: Complete the missing information for each row of the following table.
 Yeasts and Fungi Clinical Manifestations Culture Characteristics Biochemical Tests Other
Candida albicans Thrush, candidiasis, bloodborne Temp growth (°C): Cyclohexamide: R Normal flora of mucus
infection, septicemia, superficial 37/42/45° + Urea/nitrate: -- membranes
skin infections, disseminated Pseudo hyphae: + Used as the negative control
disease True hyphae: + for urease testing
Arthroconidia: --
Candida krusei Candidiasis, bloodborne infection, Temp growth (°C): Cyclohexamide: S Innate resistance to the
septicemia, superficial skin 37/42° + Urea: V antifungal agent fluconazole
infections, disseminated disease 45° -- Nitrate: --
Pseudo hyphae: +
True hyphae: --
Arthroconidia: --
Candida dubliniensis Candidiasis, bloodborne infection, Temp growth (°C): Cyclohexamide: R Colonies appear dark green
septicemia, superficial skin 37° + Urea/nitrate: -- on CHROMagar
infections, disseminated disease 42/45° --
Pseudo hyphae: +
True hyphae: +
Arthroconidia: --
Candida glabrata Candidiasis, bloodborne infection, Temp growth (°C): Cyclohexamide: S Different sugar assimilation
septicemia, superficial skin 37/42/45 + Urea/nitrate: -- patterns, notably rapid
infections, disseminated disease Pseudo hyphae: -- trehalose assimilation
True hyphae: --
Arthroconidia: --
Candida tropicalis Candidiasis, bloodborne infection, Temp growth (°C): Cyclohexamide: V Used as negative control for
septicemia, superficial skin 37/42/45 + Urea/nitrate: -- germ tube production
infections, disseminated disease Pseudo hyphae: +
True hyphae: --
Arthroconidia: --
Candida parapsilosis Nosocomial infections Temp growth (°C): Cyclohexamide: S Multiple areas of satellite
37° + Urea/nitrate: -- growth “spider colonies”
42/45° -- adjacent to streak lines, sage-
Pseudo hyphae: + brush or cross matchstick
True hyphae: -- pattern
Arthroconidia: --

Cryptococcus Meningitis, pulmonary disease, Temp growth (°C): Cyclohexamide: S Production of phenol oxidase
neoformans septicemia 37° + Urea: + is a differentiating feature;
 42/45° -- Nitrate: -- use canavanine glycine
Pseudo hyphae: -- bromothymol blue agar for
True hyphae: -- suspected colonies
Arthroconidia: --
Colonies tend to be mucoid
Trichosporon beigelii Superficial mycoses, systemic Produce arthroconidia, No carbohydrate Trichosporon hyphae are
disease, meningitis, white piedra hyphae, and blastoconidia fermentation often arranged in a radial
Colonies are straw to cream- Uses potassium nitrate pattern
colored and yeastlike; can be Is urease positive
smooth or wrinkled, dry or
moist, creamy or velvety
Rhodotorula Bloodstream/cutaneous/ocular Produce blastoconidia; lack Urease + Bright salmon-pink color
infections, meningitis, peritonitis, pseudohyphae and hyphae Some species are nitrate +
keratitis, ventriculitis
Geotrichum candidum Opportunistic mycoses, Produce arthroconidia Glucose/galactose: V Production of dichotomously
pulmonary disease; bronchial, Vegetative hyphae occur Sucrose/maltose: -- branched hyphae resembles
oral, vaginal, cutaneous, singly or branched Trehalose/lactose: -- tuning forks along the colony
alimentary infections Colonies are white to cream Nitrate/urease: -- margin
and yeastlike
Aerial mycelium occasionally
form
Aspergillus fumigatus Opportunistic mycoses; Colonies are typically blue- Using KOH wet mount or Uniseriate and columnar
pulmonary, disseminated, green with a suede-like calcofluor white, samples conidial heads with the
cutaneous aspergillosis; surface consisting of a dense show non-pigmented septate phialides limited to the upper
aspergillosis of paranasal sinuses felt of conidiophores hyphae with repeated two thirds of the vesicle and
dichotomous branching curving to be roughly parallel
to each other
Aspergillus niger Opportunistic mycoses; Colonies consist of a compact Identify uniseriate or Conidial heads are dark
pulmonary, disseminated, white or yellow basal felt biseriate conidial heads, brown to black, radiate, and
cutaneous aspergillosis; covered by a dense layer of spherical to pyriform vesicles, biseriate with metulae twice
aspergillosis of paranasal sinuses dark-brown to black conidial smooth-walled stipes and as long as the phialides
heads black or near black-colored
conidia

Aspergillus flavus Opportunistic mycoses; otitis, Colonies are granular, flat, Identify species w/ conidial Spreading yellow-green
keratitis, acute and chronic often with radial grooves, heads in shades of yellow- colonies, rough-walled stipes,
invasive sinusitis, and yellow at first but quickly green to brown and dark mature vesicles bearing
 pulmonary/systemic infections becoming bright to dark sclerotia phialides over their entire
yellow-green with age surface, and conspicuously
echinulate conidia
Aspergillus terrus Opportunistic mycoses; Colonies are typically suede- Identify biseriate, columnar Cinnamon-brown cultures,
pulmonary, disseminated, like and cinnamon-buff to conidial heads in shades of conidial heads biseriate with
cutaneous aspergillosis; sand-brown in color with a buff to brown metulae as long as the
aspergillosis of paranasal sinuses yellow to deep dirty brown phialides
reverse
Aspergillus clavatus Opportunistic mycoses; severe Colonies grow rapidly Identification of the soluble Conidia have large heads and
pulmonary disease (malt’s forming a velvety and fairly carbohydrate wall of the they are club-shaped; thicker
worker’s lung) dense felt that appears conidia which consists of at the apex than the base
bluish-grey green in color mannitol and arabitol when they are young
Absidia spp Rare cause of human zygomycosis Colonies are rapid growing, Has pyriform sporangium; Abundant sporulation on
flat, woolly to cottony, and septum is below sporangium; routine mycological media
olive gray has well-developed
apophysis; sporangiophores
arise between rhizoids and
not opposite them
Mucor spp Zygomycosis, mucocutaneous and Colonies grow rapidly and No pyriform sporangium Best growth is <37°C
rhinocerebral infections, septic quickly cover the surface of No well-developed apophysis
arthritis, dialysis-associated the agar; fluffy appearance Sporangiophore: spherical;
peritonitis, gastritis, and resembles cotton candy branched or unbranched,
renal/pulmonary infections hyaline
Rhizomucor spp Zygomycosis, angio-invasive Colonies grow very rapidly; No pyriform sporangium Thermophilic and yield good
disease; cutaneous, pulmonary, texture is typically cotton- No well-developed apophysis growth at temperatures as
rhinofacial, and disseminated candy like Sporangiophore: spherical; high as ~54 °C
infections branched, brown
Rhizopus spp Zygomycosis, angio-invasive Colonies grow very rapidly; No pyriform sporangium Sporangia typically collapse
disease; mucocutaneous, texture is typically cotton- No well-developed apophysis
rhinocerebral, genitourinary, candy like Sporangiophores are
gastrointestinal, pulmonary, and opposite the rhizoids
disseminated infections Sporangiophore: spherical;
unbranched and brown
mostly
Syncephalastrum spp Rare causative agent of human Colonies are very fast Syncephalastrum differs from Order Mucorales producing
zygomycosis, cutaneous growing, cottony to fluffy, Aspergillus by the presence sympodially branching
infections, otomycosis white to light grey, becoming of merosporangia and sporangiophores with
dark grey with the absence of phialides terminal vesicles bearing
development of sporangia merosporangia
Fusarium spp Opportunistic mycoses, mycotic Colonies grow rapidly and are Hyaline septate hyphae, Macroconidia are 2- or more
keratitis woolly to cottony, flat, and conidiophores, phialides, celled, thick-walled, smooth,
spreading macroconidia, and and cylindrical or sickle-
microconidia are observed (canoe-)shaped
microscopically
Trichophyton Cutaneous mycoses, Two colony types: 1) Cottony, Urease + Microconidia form loose
mentagrophytes dermatophytosis; hair, skin, and initially white becoming Trichophyton agar 1: good grapelike clusters (en grappe)
nail infections cream or tan colored with growth Macroconidia present in very
reverse tan to rose colored; low numbers or absent
2) flat and spreading colonies Hair infections invade the
with fine to coarse granular shafts (endothrix)
surface, intially white or off-
yellow becoming tan or
brown
Trichophyton rubrum Cutaneous mycoses, Initially white with cottony, Urease: -- Water soluble wine-red
dermatophytosis; skin and nail velvety, or granular colonies Trichophyton agar 1: good pigment on the reverse of
infections (rarely scalp) growth the colony
Microconidia are tiny, tear- Hair infections do not invade
shaped, and distributed on the shafts
either side of the hyphal
strands (“birds on a fence”)
Trichophyton Cutaneous mycoses, Small, circular, flat, white to Growth is enhanced at 37°C Antler type hyphae
verrucosum dermatophytosis; hair, skin, and off-yellow colonies turning Trichophyton agar 1: poor Numerous chlamydospores
nail infections downy; reverse is growth; normal growth on arranged in chains (“beaded
nonpigmented others neckless”)
Macroconidia are
multicelled, have thin
smooth walls, and paddle-
like (“string bean or rat tail”
configuration)

Epidermophyton Cutaneous mycoses, Gray-white colonies Macroconidia in high Microconidia are NEVER
floccosum dermatophytosis; tinea pedis, developing a distinct khaki- amounts, are club-shaped, produced
tinea cruris, tinea corporis, and green pigment when mature often clustered in groups, Chlamydoconidia are
onychomycosis and becomes granular on and consist of 3-5 cells w/ typically present, especially
further maturity; yellow- thin smooth walls in older cultures
 white streamers of hyphae Hair infections invade the
may radiate from the center shafts
to the periphery
Microsporum audouinii Cutaneous mycoses, Colonies are flat, spreading, Macroconidia and Pectinate (comb-like) hyphae
dermatophytosis; non- grayish-white to light tan- microconidia are rarely and racquet hyphae (a series
inflammatory scalp and skin white in color, and have a produced of hyphal segments swollen
infections (especially in children), dense suede-like to downy Macroconidia are longer, at one end) may also be
tinea capitis surface, suggestive of mouse smoother, and more present
fur in texture irregularly fusiform in shape Hair infections do not invade
Trichophyton agar 1: good the shafts
growth Reverse is salmon to pinkish-
brown
Microsporum canis Cutaneous mycoses, Colonies are flat, spreading, Macroconidia are typically Hair infections invade the
dermatophytosis; ringworm, hair, white to cream-colored, w/ a spindle-shaped with 5-15 shafts
skin, and (rarely) nail infections dense cottony surface which cells, verrucose, thick-walled, Reverse is bright yellow
may show some radial and often have a terminal
grooves knob
Trichophyton agar 1: good
growth
Microsporum gypseum Cutaneous mycoses, Colonies are flat, initially Many macroconidia Echinulate wall with less thick
dermatophytosis; hair, skin, and white turning light brown to (multicelled, thick wall w/ septations
nail infections reddish-brown on maturity; small spines) w/ few or no Club-like macroconidia
sugary or granular microconidia Hair infections invade the
appearance Microconidia are small, shafts
hyaline, and teardrop or
elliptical in shape attached to
sides of hyphae
Malassazia furfur Superficial mycoses, tinea Colonies are cream to “Spaghetti and meatballs” Requires lipids for growth
versicolor, dandruff yellowish, and typically fungus: budding yeasts, ~4-8 (medium overlaid w/ olive
smooth to slightly wrinkled µm, along w/ septate, oil)
sometimes branched, hyphal Grows on glucose/peptone
elements agar with Tween 20
Hortaea werneckii Superficial mycoses, tinea nigra Colonies are shiny, moist, Brown to dark olivaceous, Hyphomycete that is two-
(Cladosporium and yeastlike that start w/ a septate hyphal elements and celled yeastlike cells
werneckii) brownish coloration that numerous two-celled, pale producing annelloconidia
eventually turns olive to brown, cylindrical to spindle-
greenish black shaped yeastlike cells that
taper towards the ends to
form an annellide
Piedra hortaea Black piedra Colonies are slow growing, Hyphae are darkly pigmented Ascospores are hyaline to
small, folded, velvety, and and contain numerous darkly pigmented, one-
dark brown to black in color intercalary celled, fusoid, curved, and
chlamydoconidium-like cells taper towards both ends to
Asci are ellipsoid, solitary, or form the typical whip-like
in clusters appendages
Reverse is black
Trichosporon ovoides Superficial mycoses, superficial Colonies are restricted, Appressoria present in slide Positive growth on
infections, white piedra of the white, granular, folded at the cultures cycloheximide
scalp center w/ a flat marginal Does not assimilate melibiose Fails to develop sarcinae
zone
Trichosporon inkin Superficial mycoses, systemic Colonies are restricted, Appressoria present in slide Sarcinae present on media
disease, meningitis, white piedra white, finely cerebriform cultures with high sugar-content
with a granular covering, Growth with myo-inositol
without marginal zone, often Urease +
cracking the media Nitrate: --
Blastomyces Systemic mycoses, blastomycosis 22°C: slow to moderate 22°C: oval, pyriform, to Yeast conversion: blood agar,
dermatitidis (Gilchrist/Chicago disease), growth; white to dark tan, globose, smooth conidia 37°C
pulmonary disease glabrous to woolly borne on short, lateral Yeast form: large yeast;
hypha-like conidiophores blastoconidia attached by
broad base
Coccidioides immitis Systemic mycoses, 22°: rapid growth; white to 22°C: alternating one-celled, Yeast conversion: modified
primary/secondary tan to dark gray, cottony; “barrel-shaped” Converse medium, 40°C in 5-
coccidioidomycosis, asymptomatic tend to grow in concentric arthroconidia w/ disjunctor 10% CO2 (inducing this phase
pulmonary disease, toxic rings cells should not be attempted;
erythema, erythema nodosum DNA probe testing is
(desert bumps), erythema preferred)
multiforme (valley fever), arthritis
(desert rheumatism)

Histoplasma capsulatum Systemic mycoses, histoplasmosis, 22°C: slow growth; white to 22°C: microconidia small, Yeast conversion: BHI-blood,
acute pulmonary disease, dark tan w/ age, woolly, one-celled, round, smooth; 37°C
mediastinitis, pericarditis, cottony, or granular tuberculated macroconidia Yeast form: small, oval yeast
mucocutaneous lesions large, round; hypha-like
conidiophores
Paracoccidioides Systemic mycoses, 22°C: slow growth; white to 22°C: colonies frequently Yeast conversion: BHI-blood,
brasiliensis paracoccidioidomycosis beige, glabrous, leathery, flat only produce sterile hyphae 37°C
pulmonary infection w/ to wrinkled, folded or velvety Yeast form: multiple
subsequent dissemination forming blastoconidia budding from
 ulcerative granulomatous lesions single, large yeast
of buccal, nasal, and GI mucosa, as
well as concomitant lymph node
involvement
Penicillium marneffei Systemic mycoses, systemic Colonies are rapid growing, 25°C: colonies are Metulae are secondary
infection (disseminated w/ flat, filamentous, and velvety, filamentous, flat, radially branches that form on
multiple organ involvement) woolly, or cottony in texture; sulcate; they are bluish-gray- conidiophores and carry the
they are initially white and green at center and white at flask-shaped phialides
become blue green, gray the periphery; reverse is Phialides form brush-like
green, olive gray, yellow, or rapidly diffusing red clusters which are also
pinkish in time 37°C: colonies are cream to referred to as “penicilli”
slightly pink in color and Conidia are round,
glabrous to convoluted in unicellular, and visualized as
texture unbranching chains at the
tips of the phialides
Pneumocystis jirovecii Opportunistic mycoses, Nonfilamentous fungus Methenamine silver stain: A foamy eosinophilic material
pneumocystosis, interstitial Life cycle has 3 stages: 1) cyst wall stains black and is observed in the lungs
plasma cell pneumonia (infantile trophozoite (1-5 µm) is have a punched-out ping- during Pneumocystis
pneumonia), extrapulmonary irregularly shaped; 2) precyst pong ball appearance infection
infections (5-8 µm); 3) cyst (infective Calcofluor white: fluoresces
stage) which is a thick-walled w/ a blue-white color
sphere about 8 µm
containing up to eight intra
cystic bodies

Unicellular and Multi-cellular Parasitic Infections: Complete the missing information for each row of the following table.

Unicellular and Multi-cellular What is this organism Transmission Development stages Defining Characterisitics
Parasite classified as? (eg amoeba,
flagellate, nematode,…)
Entamoeba histolytica Amoeba Fecal-oral Trophozoite and cyst (no Troph: unidirectional
intermediate host) motility; single pseudopod;
single nucleus; “ground
glass” cytoplasm
 Cyst: rounded, elongated
chromatoidal bars
Fine, evenly distributed
peripheral chromatin; small,
central karyosome
Entamoeba coli Amoeba Fecal-oral Trophozoite and cyst (no Troph: junky cytoplasm
intermediate host) Cyst: 1-8 nuclei; frayed
chromatoidal bars
Coarse, uneven peripheral
chromatin; large, eccentric
karyosomes
Blastocystis hominis Amoeba Fecal-oral Cyst only (no trophozoite or No troph
intermediate host) Cyst: empty central body;
nuclear material in outer ring
Entamoeba gingivalis Amoeba Fecal-oral Trophozoite only (no cyst or No cyst
intermediate host) Troph: single nucleus; small,
central karyosome;
cytoplasm often contains
ingested WBCs, bacteria and
other debris
Fine peripheral chromatin
Entamoeba hartmanni Amoeba Fecal-oral Trophozoite and cyst (no Tiny
intermediate host) Troph: finely granular
cytoplasm
Cyst: 1-4 nuclei (frequently
2); cigar chromatoidal bars
Fine, evenly distributed
peripheral chromatin; small,
central karyosomes

Iodamoeba butschlii Amoeba Fecal-oral Trophozoite and cyst (no Troph: vacuolated cytoplasm
intermediate host) Cyst: “smiling cyclops”; single
nucleus; single, defined
glycogen vacuole; no
chromatoidal bars
No peripheral chromatin;
large karyosome surrounded
by achromatic granules
Endolimax nana Amoeba Fecal-oral Trophozoite and cyst (no Troph: vacuolated cytoplasm
intermediate host) Cyst: blot-like karyosomes;
no chromatoidal bars
No peripheral chromatin;
large, irregularly shaped
karyosome
Giardia lamblia Flagellate Fecal-oral Trophozoite and cyst (no Troph: oval pear shape;
intermediate host) falling leaf motility; 2 nuclei
(“eyes”); sucking disk; long
axoneme; 4 lateral flagella
Cyst: oval; 4 nuclei;
cytoplasm retracted from
cyst wall; fibrils and flagella
inside cyst
Chilomastix mesnili Flagellate Fecal-oral Trophozoite and cyst (no Troph: teardrop shape;
intermediate host) rotary motility; single large
anterior nucleus; cytostome;
spiral groove; 4 anterior
flagella
Cyst: lemon shape; one
nucleus; hyaline knob;
prominent oral groove
Dientamoeba fragilis Flagellate Fecal-oral Trophozoite only (no cyst or No cyst
intermediate host) Troph: nondirectional
motility; 1-2 nuclei; nucleus
made of 4-8 clustered
granules; no peripheral
chromatin

Balantidium coli Ciliate Fecal-oral Trophozoite and cyst Troph: large (30-100µm long
Pig is natural host by 30-80µm wide); kidney-
shaped nucleus; cilia
Cyst: macro- and
micronucleus; cilia between
two layers of wall
Cryptosporidium parvum Coccidia (sporozoan) Fecal-oral Zygote, oocyst, sporozoite, Oocyst: modified acid-fast to
meront, merozoite, see; round to slightly oval;
micro/macrogamont, tiny (4-6µm); 1-4 sporozoites;
microgamete thick double-layered wall;
 centrally located granules
Cyclospora cayetanensis Coccidia (sporozoan) Fecal-oral Oocyst, sporozoite, meront, Oocyst: modified acid-fast to
merozoite, zygote see; “wrinkled peas” that
autofluoresce bright green;
sporocyst contain two
sporozoites
Isospora belli (Cystoisospora Coccidia (sporozoan) Fecal-oral Oocyst, sporocyst, Oocyst: modified acid-fast to
belli) sporozoite, trophozoite, see; elliptical or oval in
schizont, merozoite, shape; immature oocyte
gametocyte contains single central mass;
mature oocyte has two
sporocysts w/ 4 sporozoites;
clear double-layered wall
Plasmodium vivax Malaria/coccidia (sporozoan) Vector: Anopheles mosquito Zygote, oocyst, sporozoite, RBC morphology: enlarged
schizont, merozoite, (x2); Schuffner’s dots
trophozoite, gametocyte # of merozoites in schizont:
12-24 (ave 16)
Reproductive cycle: 48hrs
Plasmodium falciparium Malaria/coccidia (sporozoan) Vector: Anopheles mosquito Zygote, oocyst, sporozoite, RBC morphology: normal size
schizont, merozoite, # of merozoites in schizont:
trophozoite, gametocyte 12-36 (ave 20-24)
Reproductive cycle: irregular
(36-48hrs)
Crescent-shaped
gametocyte; ring and
gametocyte stages only in
peripheral blood
Applique effect
Plasmodium malariae Malaria/coccidia (sporozoan) Vector: Anopheles mosquito Zygote, oocyst, sporozoite, RBC morphology: normal
schizont, merozoite, size; may have dark hue;
trophozoite, gametocyte (rare) Ziemann’s dots
# of merozoites in schizont:
6-12 (ave 8) w/ daisy petal-
like arrangement
Reproductive cycle: 72hrs
Plasmodium ovale Malaria/coccidia (sporozoan) Vector: Anopheles mosquito Zygote, oocyst, sporozoite, RBC morphology: enlarged,
schizont, merozoite, oval; fringed edge;
trophozoite, gametocyte Schuffner’s dots
# of merozoites in schizont:
 6-16 (ave 8)
Reproductive cycle: 48hrs
Babesia microti Babesia/coccidia (sporozoan) Vector: Ixodes spp. tick Zygote, sporozoite, RBC morphology: ring forms
Reservoir: mice and deer trophozoite, merozoite, (1-5 µm) w/ one or more
Blood transfusions gametocyte chromatin dots; generally in
pairs and tetrads (maltese
cross)
Toxoplasma gondii Coccidia/coccidia (sporozoan) Fecal-oral, organ transplants, Oocyst, cyst, bradyzoite, Tachyzoite: crescent-shaped,
transplacental sporozoite, tachyzoite 4-6 µm, prominent nucleus
Cat is definitive host
Naegleri fowleri Amoeba Fecal-oral Trophozoite only (no cyst or No cyst
intermediate host) Troph: large karyosome; no
peripheral chromatin
Acanthamoeba Amoeba Fecal-oral Trophozoite and cyst (no Troph: spiny pseudopodia
intermediate host Cyst: double cell wall w/
ragged edges
No peripheral chromatin;
large karyosome
Trichomonas vaginalis Flagellate Sexual transmission (humans Trophozoite only (no cyst or No cyst
are only host) intermediate host) Troph: pear shape; jerky,
nondirectional motility; one
nucleus; 3-5 anterior flagella;
undulating membrane

Trypansoma brucei Flagellate Vector: Glossina spp. tsetse Trypomastigote, Trypomastigote: 15-20 µm
fly epimastigote, amastigote w/ single large nucleus and
posterior kinetoplast to
which is attached the
flagellum of the undulating
membrane
Trypansoma cruzi Flagellate Vector: triatomid bug Trypomastigote, Amastigote in phagocytic
(reduviid/kissing bug) epimastigote, amastigote cells of the skin
Trypomastigote in blood: U
or C shaped; 15-20 µm w/
single large nucleus and
posterior kinetoplast to
 which is attached the
flagellum of the undulating
membrane
Leishmania Flagellate Vector: sand fly (genera Amastigote, promastigote Use of NNN media culture
Phlebotomus, Lutzomyia, Amastigote in macrophages
Psychodopygus) and extracellular (Wright
Reservoir: dogs and rodents stain): oval; 2-5 µm; pale blue
cytoplasm; large red nucleus;
kinetoplast w/in cytoplasm
Schistosoma mansoni Trematode (blood fluke) Direct cercarial penetration Egg, miracidium, cercaria, No operculum
of the skin from metacercaria, and adult Lateral spine
contaminated water Snail is intermediate host
Schistosoma haematobium Trematode (blood fluke) Direct cercarial penetration Egg, miracidium, cercaria, No operculum
of the skin from metacercaria, and adult Terminal spine; rounded
contaminated water Snail is intermediate host anterior
Schistosoma japonicum Trematode (blood fluke) Direct cercarial penetration Egg, miracidium, cercaria, No operculum
of the skin from metacercaria, and adult Small, inconspicuous, hooked
contaminated water Snail is intermediate host lateral spine
Paragonimus westermani Trematode (Oriental lung Reservoir: tigers, leopards, Egg, miracidium, cercaria, Adult: 10 x 8mm
fluke) dogs, and foxes metacercaria, and adult Egg: ovoid 100µm x 55µm
Ingestion of undercooked Snail is intermediate host Operculum with very small
crabs or crayfish shoulders and a thickened
shell at the opposite end

Clonorchis sinensis Trematode (Chinese liver Reservoir: dogs and cats Egg, miracidium, cercaria, Adult: 1-2.5cm
fluke) Ingestion of raw or metacercaria, and adult Egg: ovoid with a thick brown
undercooked fish Snail is intermediate host shell
Operculum w/ clearly
demarcated shoulders
Fasciolopsis buski Trematode (giant intestinal Reservoir: dogs and pigs Egg, miracidium, cercaria, Adult: 2-7cm long
fluke) Ingestion of metacercaria, and adult Egg: elliptical 135µm x 80µm
raw/undercooked freshwater Snail is intermediate host Transparent eggshell
vegetation (bamboo shoots, containing an operculum w/
water chestnuts) unembryonated material
Fasciola hepatic Trematode (sheep liver fluke) Reservoir: sheep Egg, miracidium, cercaria, Adult: 2-3cm long
Ingestion of raw water metacercaria, and adult Egg: elliptical and similar to F.
vegetation, especially Snail is intermediate host buski but does not contain an
 watercress operculum
Taenia saginata Cestode (beef tapeworm) Ingestion of cysticercus Egg, cysticercus, and adult Egg: Thick, brown, radially
(larval stage) in raw or worm striated shell; 3 pairs of
undercooked meat Cow is intermediate host hooklets in oncosphere
Scolex: 4 suckers no hooks
Proglottids: >13 lateral
uterine branches
Taenia solium Cestode (pork tapeworm) Ingestion of cysticercus Egg, cysticercus, and adult Egg: Thick, brown, radially
(larval stage) in raw or worm striated shell; 3 pairs of
undercooked meat Hog and human are hooklets in oncosphere
intermediate hosts Scolex: 4 suckers w/ hooks
Proglottids: <13 lateral
uterine branches
Diphyllobothrium latum Cestode (broad fish Ingestion of plerocercoid Egg, coracidium, larva, adult Coracidium w/ distinct
tapeworm) larva in raw or undercooked worm operculum
fish Crustacean is intermediate Scolex contains two sucking
host grooves (bothria)
Proglottids have wide shape
w/ “rosette-shaped uterus”
Hymenolepis nana Cestode (dwarf tapeworm) Ingestion of infected beetles Egg, cysticercoid, and adult Hollow lemon oncosphere;
or other arthropods usually worm polar filaments outside of the
in grains oncosphere; 3 pairs of hooks
in oncosphere
Scolex: one row of hooks, 4
suckers
Hymenolepis diminuta Cestode (rat tapeworm) Ingestion of infected beetles Egg, cysticercoid, and adult Hollow lemon oncosphere;
or other arthropods usually worm no polar filaments; 2 pairs of
in grains hooks in oncosphere
Scolex: 4 suckers but no
hooks
Echinococcus granulosus Cestode (minute tapeworm Ingestion of eggs from dog Egg, hydatid cyst (larval Inverted scolecies in brood
of dogs) feces stage), and adult worm capsule
Sheep and other herbivores Adult contains only 3
are usual hosts proglottids
Enterobius vermicularis Nematode (pinworm) Fecal-oral Egg, larva, and adult worm Egg: oval, flattened on one
side; colorless shell
Adult: pointed tail resembling
a pin
Trichuris trichiura Nematode (whipworm) Fecal-oral Egg, larva, and adult worm Egg: oval shaped with
 prominent polar plugs (“corn-
cob”); bile-stained, thick shell
Ascaris lumbricoides Nematode (roundworm) Fecal oral Egg, larva, and adult worm Infertile egg: mammillated
(crusty looking); thin shell;
undifferentiated internal
granules
Fertile egg: bile-stained shell;
bumpy/mammillated or
decorticated (no outer shell)
Strongyloides stercoralis Nematode (threadworm) Filariform larvae penetrate Egg, larva, and adult worm Larva: short buccal capsule;
hands or feet usually from prominent genital
contaminated soil primordium
Necator americanus Nematode (hookworm) Filariform larvae penetrate Egg, larva, and adult worm Larva: long buccal capsule;
hands or feet usually from inconspicuous genital
contaminated soil primordium
Adult: tetrad flat cutting
plates
Ancylostoma duodenale Nematode (hookworm) Filariform larvae penetrate Egg, larva, and adult worm Larva: long buccal capsule;
hands or feet usually from inconspicuous genital
contaminated soil primordium
Adult: 4 pointed teeth on
anterior mouth

Trichinella spiralis Nematode (roundworm) Ingestion of cysts from Egg, larva, and adult worm Difficult to recover adults or
undercooked pork and wild larvae, so diagnosis based on
game (bear, horse, or walrus) clinical symptoms and
patient’s history
Muscle biopsy showing cysts
Marked eosinophilia (>50%)
Dracunculus medinensis Nematode (guinea worm) Drink water with infected Egg, larva, and adult worm Diagnosis made from typical
water fleas appearance of lesion
Gravid female migrates to
subcutaneous tissue (usually
feet)
A red papule and then a
blister forms which ulcerates
releasing the female worm to
the water
Loa loa Nematode (African eye Vector: Chrysops sp. mango Egg, larva, and adult worm Tail morphology: sheathed;
 worm) or deer fly nuclei extend to tip of tail
Periodicity: diurnal
Brugia malayi Nematode (filarial worm) Vector: Aedes, Anopheles, Egg, larva, and adult worm Tail morphology: sheathed;
Mansonia sp. mosquito nuclei extend into tail section
(particularly two terminal
nuclei separated from the
rest)
Periodicity: nocturnal
Wuchereria bancrofti Nematode (filarial worm) Vector: Culex, Aedes, Egg, larva, and adult worm Tail morphology: sheathed;
Anopheles sp. mosquito nuclei do not extend to tip of
tail
Periodicity: nocturnal
Onchocerca volvulus Nematode (filarial worm) Vector: Simulium sp. Egg, larva, and adult worm Tail morphology:
blackfly/buffalo gnat unsheathed; nuclei do not
extend to tip of tail
Periodicity: nonperiodic

Virus Table Directions: Complete the missing information for each row of the following table.

Virus Family and Genus of Clinical Manifestations Diagnosed and/or Notes

Virus Laboratory Testing
Herpes simplex virus Type 1 Herpesviridae Oral herpes, genital herpes, Antigen detection or viral ds DNA
Simplexvirus neonatal herpes, HSV encephalitis, isolation; PCR; culture- Enveloped, icosahedral
ocular herpes confirmed diagnosis requires
brain biopsy material; EIA,
strip immunoblot
Herpes simplex virus Type 2 Herpesviridae Oral herpes, genital herpes, Antigen detection or viral ds DNA
Simplexvirus neonatal herpes, HSV encephalitis, isolation; PCR; culture- Enveloped, icosahedral
ocular herpes confirmed diagnosis requires
brain biopsy material; EIA,
strip immunoblot
Varicella zoster Herpesviridae Varicella (chickenpox), zoster Diagnosed on the basis of ds DNA
 Varicellovirus (shingles) characteristic clinical
findings; culture of fresh
lesions (vesicles), use of
fluorescent-labeled
monoclonal abs
Cytomegalovirus Herpesviridae Manifests as a self-limiting, Diagnosis confirmed by ds DNA
Cytomegalovirus infectious mononucleosis-like isolation of virus from
illness w/ fever and hepatitis; normally sterile body fluids,
congenital infections (petechiae, such as the buffy coat of
hepatosplenomegaly, blood or other internal fluids
microcephaly, chorioretinitis, or tissues; viral antigenemia
reduced birth weight, CNS test (immunocytochemical
involvement, mental impairment, detection of pp65 in nuclei of
deafness, death) infected peripheral WBCs);
nucleic acid assays using PCR;
molecular-based testing
(branched DNA and
hybridization assays)
Epstein Barr virus Herpesviridae Infectious mononucleosis (sore Serologic tests; Paul-Bunnell ds DNA
Lymphocryptovirus throat, fever, lymphadenopathy, heterophile ab test, EIA, latex
hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, agglutination; EBV-specific
general malaise) serologic tests for anti-VCA,
anti-EA IgG, anti-EA/D, anti-
EA/R, anti-EBNA

Human herpes virus 6 Herpesviridae Roseola/roseola Diagnosis usually made ds DNA

Roseolovirus infantum/exanthem subitum/sixth clinically (isolation of virus w/ Saliva and stool are routes of
disease lymphocyte cell culture); transmission
serology w/ available paired
sera; PCR and viral load
testing
Human herpes virus 7 Herpesviridae Roseola Can be isolated in culture in ds DNA
Roseolovirus peripheral blood
lymphocytes or in cord blood
lymphocytes; PCR assay and
serologic results
Human herpes virus 8 Herpesviridae Kaposi sarcoma; primary effusion Nucleic acid testing using PCR ds DNA
Rhadinovirus lymphomas; multicentric assay; in situ hybridization;
Castleman disease immunohistochemistry to ID
 HHV-8 infected cells
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Papillomaviridae Warts (plantar, common, flat and Cytology sections (Pap ds DNA
Papillomavirus macular, common and flat), smears to look for
condylomata acuminata (genital koilocytes); nucleic acid
warts), papillomatosis; HPV- probe tests, PCR
associated cancers
Variola major Poxviridae Smallpox Clinical presentation of ds DNA
Orthopoxvirus macular rash on all parts of Edward Jenner developed
the body w/ greater smallpox vaccine
concentration on the head
and limbs, including palms
and soles
Molluscipoxvirus Poxviridae Molluscum contagiosum (human Diagnosis is based on the size ds DNA
Molluscipoxvirus skin infection) and shape of the skin lesions Also called MCV
and can be confirmed with a
biopsy
Monkeypox virus Poxviridae Monkeypox (vesicular, pustular PCR ds DNA
Orthopoxvirus febrile illness similar to smallpox)

Human immunodeficiency Retroviridae Acquired immune deficiency Diagnosis based on ss RNA

virus 1 and 2 Lentivirus syndrome (AIDS) demonstration of anti-HIV Diagnostically important HIV
abs and, in some cases, ags are the structural
detection of viral ags and proteins p24, gp41, gp120,
RNA; EIA, IF, 4th gen kits and gp160
detect ab and ag; rapid
assays using serum, plasma,
and saliva; Western blot
Human T-cell lymphotropic Retroviridae Associated w/ several leukemias, Diagnosis usually made by ss RNA
virus (HTLV 1 and 2) Deltaretrovirus sarcomas, and lymphomas detection of abs against the
virus in the blood or CSF
Influenza A, B, and C Orthomyxoviridae Influenza (rapid onset of malaise, Can be identified in ss RNA
Influenzavirus A fever, myalgia, nonproductive respiratory secretions by Enveloped, helical
Influenzavirus B cough); fatal viral pneumonia DFA, EIA, and optical
Influenzavirus C immunoassays; rapid culture
 assays using IF staining,
nucleic acid-based assays
(RT-PCR)
Parainfluenza viruses 1-4 Paramyxoviridae Respiratory disease in young Identified by hemadsorption, ss RNA
Paramyxovirus (PIV children IF, or EIA techniques Enveloped, helical
1,3) PIV-1: croup
Rubulavirus (PIV 2,4) (laryngotracheobronchitis)
PIV-3: bronchiolitis and pneumonia
PIV-4: mild upper respiratory tract
infections
Mumps Paramyxoviridae Causes an acute illness producing Paired sera can be tested for ss RNA
Rubulavirus unilateral or bilateral swelling of mumps ab by IF, EIA, or Enveloped, helical
the parotid glands, testes, ovaries, hemagglutination inhibition
and pancreas tests; virus isolation is
preferable; physicians usually
recognize mumps clinically
Morbillivirus (rubeola) Paramyxoviridae Measles; maculopapular rash Easily diagnosed clinically; ss RNA
Morbillivirus appears on head and trunk, Koplik can be identified using serum
spots neutralization, EIA, or IF
tests; serology or nucleic acid
testing

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Paramyxoviridae Croup, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and Identified by DFA, IF, EIA, and ss RNA
(RSV) Pneumovirus interstitial pneumonia; most serum neutralization tests; Enveloped, helical
common cause of severe lower rapid ag detection kits are
respiratory tract disease among also available
infants and young children
worldwide
Poliovirus Picornaviridae Poliomyelitis; tends to infect the Identified by serum ss RNA
Enterovirus nervous system and can cause neutralization tests Naked, icosahedral
paralysis
Coxsackie virus Picornaviridae Fever of unknown origin, aseptic Identified by serum ss RNA
Enterovirus meningitis, paralysis, sepsis-like neutralization tests Naked, icosahedral
illness, myopericarditis,
pleurodynia, conjunctivitis,
exanthemas, pharyngitis,
pneumonia; hand, foot, and mouth
disease (HFMD) caused by types
 A5, A10, and A16
Rhinoviruses Picornaviridae Major cause of the common cold; Diagnosis most commonly ss RNA
Rhinovirus profuse watery discharge, nasal made empirically, based on Naked, icosahedral
congestion, sneezing, headache, patient history and physical
sore throat, cough; bronchitis, examination
asthma
Rotavirus Reoviridae Most common cause of viral Detect viral ags w/ ELISA and ds RNA
Rotavirus gastroenteritis in infants and latex agglutination tests; Naked, icosahedral
children rapid membrane-bound
colorimetric tests available;
electron microscopy can be
used (not very sensitive)
Caliciviridae Caliciviridae Human gastroenteritis; NoVs most Diagnosis of NoVs relies on ss RNA
Norovirus (NoVs) common cause of infectious electron microscopy, Naked, icosahedral
Sapovirus (SaVs) gastroenteritis in US; SaVs usually immune electron Norovirus = Norwalk virus
cause diarrhea and vomiting in microscopy, and real-time Sapporo virus is species in
infants, young children, and older RT-PCR; EIAs available Sapovirus
pts SaVs detected by electron
microscopy, molecular (RT-
PCR), and/or immunologic
methods (ELISA)

Rubivirus Togaviridae Rubella (German measles) Direct examination of ss RNA

Rubivirus specimens by IF or EIA; No rash appears on the
serologic assays such as solid- palms and soles
phase and passive
hemagglutination tests (latex
agglutination and ag-coated
RBC tests less sensitive);
Alphavirus Togaviridae Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE); Diagnosed by serologic tests, ss RNA
Alphavirus western equine encephalitis (WEE); especially neutralization, but Birds are natural reservoir;
Venezuelan equine encephalitis also ELISA, hemagglutination spread to humans by
(VEE) inhibition, and complement mosquitoes
fixation
West Nile Virus Flaviviridae West Nile fever (fever, headache, Approved laboratory tests ss RNA
Flavivirus (Japanese fatigue, occasional skin rash on the are IgG and IgM ELISA, Enveloped, icosahedral
encephalitis complex) trunk, swollen lymph glands, indirect immunofluorescent
and/or eye pain); neuroinvasive assay; confirmed by ab
 disease (meningitis or encephalitis) neutralization, RT-PCR,
Taqman, and nucleic acid
sequence-based
amplification assays
Rhabdovirus Rhabdoviridae Rabies Diagnosis involves ss RNA
Lyssavirus determining whether an Enveloped, helical
animal that has bitten a
human has rabies
Identified by direct IF
technique and EIAs
Marburg Filoviridae Hemorrhagic fever Diagnosed using PCR, ss RNA
Marburgvirus immunohistochemistry, and Enveloped, helical
IgM-capture ELISA
Ebola Filoviridae Ebola hemorrhagic fever Diagnosis can be made using ss RNA
Ebolavirus PCR, IF, or viral culture
methods; sometimes
electron microscopy
Hepatitis A Virus Picornaviridae Hepatitis; transient viremia; pt has Demonstrate IgM to HAV ss RNA
Hepatovirus fever, chills, fatigue, malaise, aches, Naked, icosahedral
pains, jaundice Fecal-oral transmission

Hepatitis B Virus Hepadnaviridae Hepatitis; fever, anorexia, hepatic Diagnosis based on clinical Partially ds DNA
Orthohepadnavirus tenderness, jaundice presentation and Enveloped
demonstration of specific Bloodborne pathogen
serologic markers for HBV Virus contains HBsAg, HBcAg,
(HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc, HBeAg
HBeAg, anti-HBe)
Hepatitis C Virus Flaviviridae NANB (non-A, non-B) hepatitis Gene amplification tests for ss RNA
Hepacivirus (hepatitis related to blood HCV RNA; serologic testing;
transfusions) EIAs for screening; 2nd-gen
immunoblot assays; nucleic
acid amplification testing
Hepatitis D Virus Not currently assigned Co-infection (pt simultaneously Serologic testing for HDV ab; Defective ss RNA
a family infected w/ HBV and HDV) or HDV Ag testing, PCR Requires HBV HBsAg for
Deltavirus superinfection (HDV infection envelope
develops in pt w/ chronic HBV
infection); fulminant hepatitis,
chronic HDV increases chances of
 cirrhosis
Hepatitis E Virus Hepeviridae Enterically transmitted hepatitis ELISA to detect IgG and IgM ss RNA
Hepevirus abs to HEV Naked
Fecal-oral transmission
Hepatitis G Virus Flaviviridae HGV viremia Experimental RT-PCR ss RNA
Pegivirus C