Medical Microbiology Testing in Primary Care


Book Description

The book's purpose is to help community-based primary care physicians and nurses, and laboratory-based microbiologists, better understand each other's requirements in collecting and interpreting specimens, and thus to improve the quality of patient care, while saving resources and reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescription.The book's structure fo




Clinical Microbilogy


Book Description

"About the Diagnostic Standards of Care Series A key issue for every laboratory and individual laboratory practitioner is the assessment of risk and a current working knowledge of the standards of care established for diagnostic testing via guidelines, major studies and trials. The Diagnostic Standards of Care series presents an overview of the key diagnoses in clinical pathology using case examples to illustrate effective analysis of the case in light of current evidence and standards for the problem discussed. In addition to being practical diagnostic guides, these volumes will have a unique emphasis on quality assurance and evidence-based testing practices and the role of the pathologist in ensuring quality and patient safety. Clinical Microbiology addresses common medical errors seen in the clinical microbiology laboratory in order to show these errors to pathologists and laboratory technicians as well as clinicians. The goal is to allow such errors to be corrected by both individual effort and a systems approach in the laboratory. The book addresses potential medical errors in test ordering and specimen collection, testing in the laboratory, and reporting and interpretation of test results. Each of these phases can have an adverse impact on the diagnosis and treatment of an infectious disease if a medical error occurs. Potential medical errors are described and discussed in a clinical case-based learning format to effectively illustrate the conditions that contribute to these errors and enable the reader to recognize and avoid them in daily practice. Clinical Microbiology Features Descriptions of potential errors in test ordering and specimen collection in clinical microbiology Descriptions of potential errors in test performance in clinical microbiology Descriptions of potential errors in test reporting and interpretation in clinical microbiology Clinical case discussions provide "real world" illustrations of potential errors and how to anticipate and avoid them in practice Is pocket-sized for portability "




Infectious Disease Epidemiology


Book Description

Infectious Disease Epidemiology is a concise reference guide which provides trainees and practicing epidemiologists with the information that they need to understand the basic concepts necessary for working in this specialist area. Divided into two sections, part one comprehensively covers the basic principles and methods relevant to the study of infectious disease epidemiology. It is organised in order of increasing complexity, ranging from a general introduction to subjects such as mathematical modelling and sero-epidemiology. Part two examines key major infectious diseases that are of global significance. Grouped by their route of transmission for ease of reference, they include diseases that present a particular burden or a high potential for causing mortality. This practical guide will be essential reading for postgraduate students in infectious disease epidemiology, health protection trainees, and practicing epidemiologists.




Challenging Cases in Diagnostic Clinical Microbiology


Book Description

This book aims to communicate, educate and inform readers about important facts and new information related to the practice of clinical microbiology and how laboratory testing can be used to provide data impactful to diagnose, treat and manage patients with infectious diseases. This information is important for individual patient outcomes as well as general public health. The book will provide real world examples of how infectious disease diagnostic tests are applied to algorithms to guide the differential diagnosis and facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Each section of cases based on the type of organisms involved will be preceded by a discussion of the laboratory methods routinely used to diagnose those types of infections. Most importantly, each illustrated case will be structured to include details of the clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, relevant laboratory findings, pathogen identified, and a brief review of other potential etiologies for the clinical syndrome described. The field of clinical microbiology has evolved considerably over the last couple of decades and the technological advances continue to come at a rapid pace. By incorporating these advancements into the clinical cases, readers will gain a greater understanding of the intricacies and nuances of the performance and utility of these newer tests, as well as how the results should be interpreted for various patient populations. Readers will acquire a wide breadth of knowledge through comprehensive reading of these cases and will benefit greatly from increased familiarity with the practice of clinical infectious disease diagnostics. Envisioned as an instructional text for those already practicing in or training in the field of clinical microbiology, this book will serve clinical pathologists, clinical microbiologists, allied healthcare professionals and physicians, as well as medical students, clinical laboratory scientists and trainees, medical residents, and infectious disease and microbiology fellows. It will be a tool to learn about and enhance skills in the discipline through presentation and discussion of cases and methods. While trainees such as medical students, residents, and fellows will benefit by thinking about the whole process from patient to lab to appropriate treatment- following the structure of board exams- those already in the field will broaden their knowledge base with information on the most up-to-date testing methods and algorithms used in the clinical microbiology lab.




Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook


Book Description

In response to the ever-changing needs and responsibilities of the clinical microbiology field, Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook, Fourth Edition has been extensively reviewed and updated to present the most prominent procedures in use today. The Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook provides step-by-step protocols and descriptions that allow clinical microbiologists and laboratory staff personnel to confidently and accurately perform all analyses, including appropriate quality control recommendations, from the receipt of the specimen through processing, testing, interpretation, presentation of the final report, and subsequent consultation.




Medical Microbiology Illustrated


Book Description

Medical Microbiology Illustrated presents a detailed description of epidemiology, and the biology of micro-organisms. It discusses the pathogenicity and virulence of microbial agents. It addresses the intrinsic susceptibility or immunity to antimicrobial agents. Some of the topics covered in the book are the types of gram-positive cocci; diverse group of aerobic gram-positive bacilli; classification and clinical importance of erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae; pathogenesis of mycobacterial infection; classification of parasitic infections which manifest with fever; collection of blood for culture and control of substances hazardous to health. The classification and clinical importance of neisseriaceae is fully covered. The definition and pathogenicity of haemophilus are discussed in detail. The text describes in depth the classification and clinical importance of spiral bacteria. The isolation and identification of fungi are completely presented. A chapter is devoted to the laboratory and serological diagnosis of systemic fungal infections. The book can provide useful information to microbiologists, physicians, laboratory scientists, students, and researchers.




Point-of-care testing


Book Description

The underlying technology and the range of test parameters available are evolving rapidly. The primary advantage of POCT is the convenience of performing the test close to the patient and the speed at which test results can be obtained, compared to sending a sample to a laboratory and waiting for results to be returned. Thus, a series of clinical applications are possible that can shorten the time for clinical decision-making about additional testing or therapy, as delays are no longer caused by preparation of clinical samples, transport, and central laboratory analysis. Tests in a POC format can now be found for many medical disciplines including endocrinology/diabetes, cardiology, nephrology, critical care, fertility, hematology/coagulation, infectious disease and microbiology, and general health screening. Point-of-care testing (POCT) enables health care personnel to perform clinical laboratory testing near the patient. The idea of conventional and POCT laboratory services presiding within a hospital seems contradictory; yet, they are, in fact, complementary: together POCT and central laboratory are important for the optimal functioning of diagnostic processes. They complement each other, provided that a dedicated POCT coordination integrates the quality assurance of POCT into the overall quality management system of the central laboratory. The motivation of the third edition of the POCT book from Luppa/Junker, which is now also available in English, is to explore and describe clinically relevant analytical techniques, organizational concepts for application and future perspectives of POCT. From descriptions of the opportunities that POCT can provide to the limitations that clinician’s must be cautioned about, this book provides an overview of the many aspects that challenge those who choose to implement POCT. Technologies, clinical applications, networking issues and quality regulations are described as well as a survey of future technologies that are on the future horizon. The editors have spent considerable efforts to update the book in general and to highlight the latest developments, e.g., novel POCT applications of nucleic acid testing for the rapid identification of infectious agents. Of particular note is also that a cross-country comparison of POCT quality rules is being described by a team of international experts in this field.




Jawetz Melnick & Adelbergs Medical Microbiology 27 E


Book Description

Understand the clinically important aspects of microbiology with this full-color review Includes more than 20 case studies The twenty-seventh edition of Jawetz, Melnick & Adelberg’s Medical Microbiology delivers a concise, up-to-date overview of the roles microorganisms play in human health and illness. Linking fundamental principles with the diagnosis and treatment of microbial infections, this classic text has been updated throughout to reflect the tremendous expansion of medical knowledge afforded by molecular mechanisms, advances in our understanding of microbial pathogenesis, and the discovery of novel pathogens. Along with brief descriptions of each organism, you will find vital perspectives on pathogenesis, diagnostic laboratory tests, clinical findings, treatment, and epidemiology. The book also includes an entire chapter of case studies that focuses on differential diagnosis and management of microbial infections. Here’s why Jawetz, Melnick & Adelberg’s Medical Microbiology is essential for USMLE review: 650+ USMLE-style review questions 300+ informative tables and illustrations 23 case studies to sharpen you differential diagnosis and management skills An easy-to-access list of medically important microorganisms Coverage that reflects the latest techniques in laboratory and diagnostic technologies Full-color images and micrographs Chapter-ending summaries Chapter concept checks Jawetz, Melnick & Adelberg’s Medical Microbiology introduces you to basic clinical microbiology through the fields of bacteriology, virology, mycology, and parasitology, giving you a thorough yet understandable review of the discipline.




A Rational Approach to Clinical Infectious Diseases


Book Description

Written specifically for non-infectious disease specialists in both inpatient and outpatient settings, A Rational Approach to Clinical Infectious Diseases provides concise, practical guidance that mimics the decision-making process and reasoning employed by an ID physician. Using clear, understandable language, Dr. Zelalem Temesgen and his esteemed colleagues at the Mayo Clinic present the art and the context of infectious diseases together with the science, helping non-specialists apply a rational approach to the diagnosis and treatment of infectious conditions. Clearly explains the rationale of opting for one particular treatment or length of course over another in order to arrange appropriate management and follow-up. Provides focused ID decision support to questions such as: What diagnostic test should I order? What is the correct antibiotic for this patient/geographical region? Are IV or oral antibiotics most appropriate? How long should the antibiotic course be and when should it be de-escalated? What special considerations should be taken in immunocompromised patients? How often should complex infections be followed up? Uses a succinct, easy-to-read writing style, following a consistent format: Important characteristics/epidemiology; Clinical related data; Rash characteristics; Ancillary diagnostic studies; Treatment; and Other. Provides visual and quick-reference support with dozens of figures and tables throughout the text. Contains invaluable guidance to help non-specialists provide the best care for patients, stem antibiotic misuse and resistance, avoid adverse drug events, and avoid unnecessary costs.




Antimicrobial Chemotherapy


Book Description

Antimicrobial agents are essential for the treatment of life-threatening infections and for managing the burden of minor infections in the community. In addition, they play a key role in organ and bone marrow transplantation, cancer chemotherapy, artificial joint and heart valve surgery. Unlike other classes of medicines, they are vulnerable to resistance from mutations in target microorganisms, and their adverse effects may extend to other patients (increased risk of cross-infection). As a consequence, there is a constant requirement for new agents, as well as practices that ensure the continued effective prescribing of licensed agents. Public awareness and concerns about drug resistant organisms has led to widespread publicity and political action in the UK, Europe and worldwide. The control of drug resistance and the implementation of good prescribing practice are now legal requirements in the UK as a result of the UK Health Act (2008). These fundamental changes underscore the need for a thorough understanding of the advantages and risks associated with specific antibiotic choices. This sixth edition of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy continues to be a valuable resource for undergraduates and graduates requiring a thorough grounding in the scientific basis and clinical application of these drugs. This new edition is updated to include the most recently licensed agents, notably in the treatment of viral infections including HIV/AIDS, and contains new guidance on prescribing practice and infection control practices that limit the development and spread of resistant organisms.