Microbiology

Points about pharm: Nematode infections on USMLE are basically always treated with -bendazoles (i.e., mebendazole, albendazole, etc.). These are microtubule inhibitors. Don’t confuse with -azoles (antifungals). Pyrantel pamoate is another …

Protozoa are unicellular eukaryotes. Amoebas move and feed by extending pseudopods, which are temporary extensions of the cytoplasm. Entamoeba histolytica Acquired as cysts in fresh water. Organisms that are acquired …

Many fungi can be grown on Sabouraud agar, so you can memorize this factoid as a starter. Dermatophytes are fungi that cause skin infections. Trichophyton spp. T. rubrum causes many …

Coronavirus The virus specifically known as SARS-CoV-2, or COVID-19, caused the 2019 global pandemic. SARS stands for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. The pandemic is believed to have started following a …

Alphavirus Causes some obscure brain infection in a farmer called equine encephalitis. Asked maybe once on an old NBME form somewhere. Rubella (aka German measles) Causes fever and head-to-toe maculopapular …

Rhinovirus Most common cause of common cold (i.e., upper respiratory tract infection, with coryza, dry cough, no exudates, and no fever). Nothing else you need to know. Coxsackie A Causes …

Parvovirus B19 Causes Fifth disease = “slapped cheek” facial erythema in Peds. Once child has developed the red cheeks, he/she has immunologically cleared the illness (i.e., if they turn it …

Spirochetes are a group of bacteria with a corkscrew- or question mark-shape that are visualized using a method called dark-field microscopy. You don’t need to know the following for USMLE, …

It’s pass-level to know that Neisseria are gram-negative diplococci. Don’t confuse with Strep pneumo, which is gram-positive diplococci. Neisseria meningitidis The answer on USMLE for cause of meningitis in three groups: 1) …