By focusing your study on these organisms first, you will gain knowledge that is generalisable across most less common pathogens and diseases. Be systematic in your study – see proforma.  Future postings will provide background on key emerging issues with each species

• Staphylococcus aureus  (methicillin – susceptible and methicillin-resistant, vancomycin-resistant)
• Streptococcus pneumoniae 
• Streptococcus pyogenes and other betahaemolytic streptococci (groups B, C and G)
• Streptococcus ‘Viridans’ species including Strep. Milleri group
• Enterococcus species (vancomycin-susceptible and resistant)
• Corynebacterium diphtheriae
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Mycobacterium leprae

See also ORGANISM knowledge proforma.