Author Archives: mdjkf

About mdjkf

Microbiologist and Infectious Diseases Physician

How to read the cumulative antibiogram and its usefulness

Posted on April 24, 2018

Here are example antibiograms for Hunter New England (NSW). These are constructed by assessing the % susceptible for specific bugs and drugs, taking only the first isolate of a species per person per annum.  Where is it possible extrapolate susceptibility … Continue reading →

Posted in Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, Module-basic microbiology and AMR | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Nocardia (part 2 topic)

Posted on April 13, 2018

Guest posting: Dr Syeda Navqi, Microbiology Registrar, Pathology North.  Group: Aerobic actinomycetes Gram positive bacteria that are usually filamentous and branched, commonly producing a fungus like mycelium that fragments into rod shaped or short coccoid form. All grow better under … Continue reading →

Posted in Bacteria (GPOS), Module-Respiratory infections, Part 2 M Med Micro topics | Tagged | Leave a comment

Recent update on TB diagnostic techniques – GenXpert MTB/RIF Ultra

Posted on April 9, 2018

Guest posting: Dr Ian Marr, Microbiology Registrar, Pathology NSW, Hunter The GenXpert used in most LMIC has cartridges for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) – GenXpert MTB/RIF. These contain primers and molecular beacon probes for the detection of both MTB … Continue reading →

Posted in Module- Mycobacteria | Tagged , | Leave a comment

AST, MIC, Clinical Breakpoints, ECOFFs and AST QC

Posted on March 26, 2018

Please remember to revise this page for the detailed explanations about AST, MICs, Breakpoints, ECOFFs etc.  A summary of relevant concepts is here – Antimicrobial susceptibility testing practical approaches to quality control Nov 2016. Some questions that arose in today’s tutorial-  1. … Continue reading →

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Module 1 2018 – additional short answer questions

Posted on March 5, 2018

Contrast the terms phenotype versus genotype and give several examples related to antibiotic resistance in Staph. aureus and Coliforms. What does MLST stand for and how is it determined? What are disadvantages of using resistance genotype compared with a phenotype? … Continue reading →

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Human Papilloma Virus key papers: testing strategy, impact of immunisation, women’s knowledge (PNG)

Posted on October 13, 2017

HPV and cervical cancer remain incredibly important topics for detailed study by all post graduates.  Again, these papers are available as free text via the PUBMED links provided. Field Evaluation of Xpert HPV Point-of-Care Test for Detection of Human Papillomavirus … Continue reading →

Posted in Module - STDs, Viruses | Tagged | Leave a comment

STDs in the Pacific and elsewhere: some essential research papers to review

Posted on October 11, 2017

Most of these have free text available via the PUBMED link and come from projects lead by PNGIMR and the Kirby and Burnet Institutes.  Remember as well to use the WHO STD Laboratory Manual as your microbiological study reference for … Continue reading →

Posted in Fiji, Module - STDs, PNG, Public health, Vanuatu | Leave a comment

Leishmaniasis case report and overview

Posted on August 9, 2017

Case report, overview, diagnosis and treatment: Dr A Oon Leishmania July 2017 Life cycle WHO Leishmaniasis site From Stark et al, case report Medical Journal of Australia 2007 :  A: Non-healing New World cutaneous leishmaniasis ulcer on the left forearm. B: … Continue reading →

Posted in Module - Parasitology, Nepal, Parasitology, Presentations | Tagged | Leave a comment

Toxoplasma, Entamoeba histolytica, Amoebic meningoencephalitis & keratitis

Posted on August 7, 2017

Toxoplasmosis  Overview- Toxoplasmosis Life cycle Relevant manifestations to consider further: congenital – diagnosis – excellent recent guide  reactivation in an immunocompromised (deficient cell-mediated immunity ) patient  such as someone with advanced HIV – then cerebral abscess (may be multiple), retinitis or … Continue reading →

Posted in Module - Parasitology, Parasitology | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Coccidian enteric parasites- Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora

Posted on August 4, 2017

FERGUSON 2011 Coccidian enteric parasites  (includes references relevant to Nepal) Rapid diagnostic tests for Cryptosporidium are effective- often combined with a giardia test.   However as the illness is self-limited in the immunocompetent, testing probably not relevant. Highly relevant for immunocompromised patients … Continue reading →

Posted in Module - Parasitology, Nepal, PNG | Tagged , | Leave a comment