Got all the questions. Now let me read the medical library skill and generate the cheat sheet. Given budget constraints, I'll use my medical knowledge to produce a high-yield cheat sheet immediately.Here's your complete cheat sheet! I've prioritized the most high-yield topics (marked ⭐) that are most likely to come in exams, with crisp answers you can memorize fast.
NTRUHS 2K23 MICROBIOLOGY - CHEAT SHEET
PAPER 1 - HIGH YIELD ANSWERS
⭐ Q1. HIV/AIDS (Q7)
Structure: Enveloped, ss-RNA retrovirus. Icosahedral core.
- Structural genes: gag (p24 core), pol (RT, integrase, protease), env (gp120, gp41)
- Non-structural genes: tat, rev, nef, vif, vpr, vpu
Pathogenesis: HIV binds CD4 + CCR5/CXCR4 -> enters T-helper cell -> RT makes proviral DNA -> integrates -> replication -> CD4 count falls -> AIDS (<200 cells/µL)
Lab Diagnosis:
- ELISA (screening) -> Western Blot (confirmation)
- CD4 count, Viral load (PCR)
- NACO algorithm: 3 rapid tests (A1, A2, A3)
ART: TDF + 3TC + EFV (first line)
PEP: Start within 72 hrs, give for 28 days
Opportunistic fungal infections: Candidiasis (most common), Cryptococcal meningitis, PCP (Pneumocystis jirovecii), Histoplasmosis, Aspergillosis
⭐ Q2. Typhoid Fever (Q6)
Agent: Salmonella typhi (Gram -ve rod)
Pathogenesis: Feco-oral -> Peyer's patches -> bacteremia -> rose spots, hepatosplenomegaly
Widal Test:
- Positive: O titer ≥1:80, H titer ≥1:160 (single); O ≥1:160 (paired)
- O = active infection, H = past infection/vaccination
Lab Diagnosis: Gold standard = Blood culture (1st week), Urine/stool culture (3rd week), Bone marrow culture (most sensitive)
Treatment: Ciprofloxacin / Azithromycin / Ceftriaxone
Vaccine: Vi polysaccharide (injectable), Ty21a (oral live attenuated)
Drug Resistance: MDR typhoid - resistant to Amp, Chloramphenicol, Co-trimoxazole. XDR - also resistant to fluoroquinolones
⭐ Q3. Hypersensitivity Reactions (Q4)
| Type | Name | Mediator | Example |
|---|
| I | Anaphylactic/Immediate | IgE, Mast cells | Anaphylaxis, Asthma, Urticaria |
| II | Cytotoxic | IgG/IgM + Complement | ABO incompatibility, Autoimmune hemolytic anemia |
| III | Immune Complex | IgG complexes + Complement | SLE, Serum sickness, Post-strep GN |
| IV | Delayed (Cell mediated) | T lymphocytes | TB (Mantoux), Contact dermatitis, Graft rejection |
Shwartzman Reaction: Two injections of endotoxin (preparatory + provocative) -> local (skin) or generalized (DIC, bilateral cortical necrosis)
⭐ Q4. Autoimmunity + SLE (Q1)
Mechanisms of Autoimmunity:
- Molecular mimicry (pathogen resembles self Ag)
- Polyclonal B cell activation
- Sequestered antigen release
- Defective Treg function
- Bystander activation
SLE: Systemic autoimmune disease
- ANA (Anti-nuclear antibody) - screening test
- Anti-dsDNA - specific, correlates with disease activity
- Anti-Smith (Anti-Sm) - most specific
- Features: Butterfly rash, arthritis, nephritis, serositis, hematologic changes
- LE cells seen in peripheral smear
Classification: Organ-specific (Hashimoto's, Type 1 DM, MG) vs Systemic (SLE, RA, Sjogren's)
⭐ Q5. Malaria (Q9)
Plasmodium species: P. falciparum (malignant tertian, most dangerous), P. vivax (benign tertian), P. malariae (quartan), P. ovale
Life Cycle:
- In mosquito (Anopheles female): Sexual cycle (sporogony) -> Sporozoites
- In human: Liver (exo-erythrocytic) -> RBC (erythrocytic) -> Trophozoite -> Schizont -> Merozoites
Pathogenesis: Rupture of RBCs -> fever, chills. P. falciparum - cytoadherence, rosetting -> cerebral malaria
Lab Diagnosis:
- Peripheral smear (Giemsa stain) - Gold standard
- RDT (Rapid Diagnostic Test) - HRP2 antigen for P. falciparum
- PCR
Cerebral Malaria: P. falciparum only. Parasitized RBCs block cerebral capillaries. Features: Coma, seizures, mortality ~20%
Treatment: Chloroquine (sensitive), ACT - Artemether+Lumefantrine (falciparum), Primaquine (for P. vivax hypnozoites)
Vaccine: RTS,S (Mosquirix) - first approved malaria vaccine
⭐ Q6. Hepatitis Viruses (Q17)
| Virus | Type | Transmission | Chronicity | Markers |
|---|
| HAV | RNA | Feco-oral | No | Anti-HAV IgM (acute) |
| HBV | DNA | Blood/sexual/vertical | Yes (5-10%) | HBsAg, HBeAg, Anti-HBc IgM |
| HCV | RNA | Blood | Yes (80%) | Anti-HCV, PCR |
| HDV | RNA (incomplete) | Blood (needs HBV) | Yes | Anti-HDV |
| HEV | RNA | Feco-oral | No | Anti-HEV IgM |
HBV Markers:
- HBsAg: Surface antigen, first to appear, marker of infection
- HBeAg: Active replication, high infectivity
- Anti-HBs: Immunity (natural or vaccine)
- Anti-HBc IgM: Acute infection
- Window period: HBsAg gone, Anti-HBs not yet - only Anti-HBc IgM present
Prophylaxis HBV: Vaccine (3 doses: 0, 1, 6 months) + HBIG for post-exposure
⭐ Q7. Sterilization & Disinfection (Q5)
Sterilization: Complete destruction of all microorganisms including spores.
Moist Heat (most reliable):
- Autoclave: 121°C, 15 psi, 15 min (kills spores)
- Pasteurization: 62°C/30 min (LTLT) or 72°C/15 sec (HTST)
- Boiling: 100°C, 20 min (not sterilization - doesn't kill spores)
Dry Heat:
- Hot air oven: 160°C/60 min, 170°C/30 min, 180°C/10 min
High Level Disinfectants: Glutaraldehyde 2% (Cidex), Hydrogen peroxide 6%, Formaldehyde, Ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA)
Gaseous Disinfectants: Ethylene oxide (ETO) - heat-sensitive items; Formaldehyde vapor
Chemical Disinfectants: Phenol (carbolic acid, first antiseptic), Alcohol 70%, Chlorine compounds (hypochlorite), Iodine/Povidone-iodine
⭐ Q8. ELISA (Q3)
Principle: Antigen-antibody reaction detected by enzyme-linked antibody producing color change.
Types:
- Direct ELISA - detect antigen
- Indirect ELISA - detect antibody (most common in serology)
- Sandwich ELISA - most sensitive, detect antigen
- Competitive ELISA
Uses: HIV screening, HBsAg, Dengue NS1, TORCH screening
Enzymes used: HRP (Horseradish peroxidase), Alkaline phosphatase
⭐ Q9. Dengue (Q8)
Agent: Flavivirus, ss RNA, 4 serotypes (DEN 1-4), transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquito
Pathogenesis: Dengue fever -> Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) -> Dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Secondary infection with different serotype -> antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) -> more severe disease
Clinical Features: High fever, severe headache, retro-orbital pain, myalgia, rash, thrombocytopenia, hemorrhage (tourniquet test positive)
Lab Diagnosis:
- NS1 antigen (day 1-5) - early marker
- IgM (from day 5 onwards)
- IgG (secondary infection)
- PCR - most sensitive early
Tourniquet Test (Rumpel-Leede): Positive = >20 petechiae per sq inch
⭐ Q10. Agglutination Reactions + Monoclonal Antibodies (Q2)
Agglutination: Clumping of particulate antigens by antibodies.
- Direct (active): Widal, ABO blood grouping, Cold agglutinins in Mycoplasma
- Indirect (passive): Latex agglutination (CRP, RF, Cryptococcal Ag)
- Coombs test: Direct (sensitized RBCs) vs Indirect (for IgG antibodies)
Monoclonal Antibodies (MAbs): Produced by hybridoma technology (B cell + myeloma = hybridoma)
- Uses: ELISA, Immunofluorescence, Therapeutic (Infliximab, Rituximab, Trastuzumab), Diagnostic (pregnancy tests, tumor markers)
⭐ Q11. Drug Resistance in Bacteria (Q21)
Genetic Mechanisms:
- Chromosomal mutation (spontaneous)
- R-factor/Plasmid mediated (most common clinically) - via conjugation
- Transposons (jumping genes)
- Transfer by: Conjugation (main), Transformation, Transduction
Mechanisms of Resistance:
- Enzyme inactivation (beta-lactamase destroys penicillin)
- Altered target site (MRSA - altered PBP2a)
- Efflux pumps
- Reduced permeability (porin channel changes)
- Bypass pathway
MRSA: Methicillin resistant S. aureus - mecA gene encodes PBP2a (low affinity). Treatment: Vancomycin / Linezolid
⭐ Q12. Entamoeba histolytica (Q12)
Agent: Protozoa. Trophozoite (10-60 µm) and cyst (4 nuclei) forms.
Transmission: Feco-oral (contaminated water/food)
Pathogenesis: Cyst ingested -> trophozoite in colon -> invasion -> flask-shaped ulcers -> bloody diarrhea. Can spread to liver (amoebic liver abscess)
Lab Diagnosis:
- Stool exam: Trophozoites with ingested RBCs (pathognomonic)
- Serology: ELISA (for liver abscess)
- Aspirate: Anchovy sauce pus (liver abscess), sterile
Amoebic Liver Abscess: Right lobe, "anchovy sauce" aspirate. Sterile - no trophozoites in aspirate usually. Diagnosed by serology + USG
Treatment: Metronidazole + Diloxanide furoate (luminal)
⭐ Q13. Diarrheagenic E. coli (Q22)
| Type | Mechanism | Disease |
|---|
| ETEC | Heat stable (ST) + Heat labile (LT) toxin | Traveller's diarrhea |
| EPEC | Attaches to mucosa, effacing | Infantile diarrhea |
| EIEC | Invades mucosa | Dysentery-like |
| EHEC (O157:H7) | Shiga toxin (verotoxin) | HUS, bloody diarrhea |
| EAEC | Aggregative adherence | Persistent diarrhea |
⭐ Q14. Leishmaniasis (Q10)
Forms: Kala azar (visceral - L. donovani), Cutaneous (L. tropica), Mucocutaneous (L. braziliensis)
Vector: Phlebotomus sandfly (female)
Diagnosis of Kala azar:
- Splenic aspirate - most sensitive (95%)
- Bone marrow aspirate - safer
- LD (Leishman-Donovan) bodies in macrophages
- rK39 antigen test (rapid, field test)
- Aldehyde (Napier's) test - positive in kala azar
Treatment: Miltefosine (oral, 1st line), Amphotericin B, Sodium stibogluconate
⭐ Q15. Herpes Zoster / Varicella Zoster Virus (Q19, Q38)
Agent: VZV (HHV-3), DNA virus, enveloped
Primary infection: Varicella (chickenpox) - centripetal rash (starts on trunk), crops of vesicles
Reactivation: Zoster (shingles) - dermatomal distribution, unilateral, painful
Lab Diagnosis: Tzanck smear (multinucleated giant cells), DFA, PCR
Treatment: Acyclovir
Vaccine: Live attenuated varicella vaccine (Varivax)
⭐ Q16. Cholera (Q37)
Agent: Vibrio cholerae O1/O139, curved Gram -ve rod, darting motility
Pathogenesis: CT (Cholera toxin) -> ADP ribosylation of Gs protein -> ↑cAMP -> hypersecretion of Cl-/water -> Rice water diarrhea
Lab: TCBS medium (yellow colonies), hanging drop preparation (shooting star motility), string test positive
Treatment: ORS (primary), Doxycycline (drug of choice)
⭐ Q17. Immunoglobulins IgM, IgG, IgA (Q33)
IgG: Most abundant (75%), crosses placenta, secondary immune response, opsonization, ADCC. 4 subclasses.
IgM: First to appear (primary response), pentamer, best agglutinator, classical complement activation, cannot cross placenta. 10 antigen binding sites.
IgA: Secretary immunoglobulin (sIgA), protects mucous membranes (respiratory, GI, GU tracts), dimeric in secretions with J chain + secretory piece. Most produced overall.
Q18. Leprosy (Q40)
Agent: Mycobacterium leprae (cannot be cultured in vitro - grown in armadillo footpad)
Types: Tuberculoid (TT) - high CMI, paucibacillary vs Lepromatous (LL) - low CMI, multibacillary
Lab Diagnosis:
- Slit skin smear: ZN stain, bacteriological index (BI)
- Lepromin test (Mitsuda reaction): Positive in TT (good immunity), Negative in LL
- Biopsy of skin/nerve
Treatment (MDT): Paucibacillary - Dapsone + Rifampicin (6 months). Multibacillary - Rifampicin + Dapsone + Clofazimine (12 months)
Q19. Complement Pathways (Q28)
Classical: Ag-Ab complex (IgG/IgM) activates C1q -> C1r -> C1s -> C4 -> C2 -> C3 -> C5-C9 (MAC)
Alternative: Directly by microbial surfaces (LPS, fungal wall) -> C3 -> Factor B, D, P (properdin) -> C5-C9
Lectin: MBL binds mannose -> MASP1, MASP2
Common final pathway: C5b -> C6-9 = MAC (Membrane Attack Complex) -> lysis
Q20. Antigen-Antibody Reactions (Q2)
Properties: Specificity, reversibility, non-covalent bonds, equivalence zone
Agglutination: Widal (O & H antigens), Blood grouping
Precipitation: Ouchterlony (double diffusion), Elek's test (diphtheria toxin)
Complement fixation test: (CFT) - older test
Neutralization: Virus neutralization
Q21. Giardia lamblia (Q13)
Agent: Flagellate protozoa, pear-shaped trophozoite, "falling leaf" motility, 4 nuclei cyst
Transmission: Feco-oral, waterborne
Clinical: Malabsorption, steatorrhea, fatty diarrhea (no blood/mucus)
Diagnosis: Stool exam (cysts), duodenal aspirate/string test (Enterotest) for trophozoites
Treatment: Metronidazole
Q22. Ascaris lumbricoides (Q16)
Largest intestinal nematode. Transmitted by ingesting embryonated eggs.
Life cycle: Egg ingested -> larvae hatch -> penetrate intestinal wall -> liver -> heart -> lungs (Loeffler's syndrome) -> trachea -> swallowed -> intestine -> adult worm
Complications: Intestinal obstruction, biliary ascariasis, Loeffler's pneumonia
Diagnosis: Stool exam (eggs - bile stained, mammillated)
Treatment: Albendazole / Mebendazole
Q23. Hookworm - Clinical Case (Q24)
Infective stage: Filariform (L3) larvae (NOT eggs)
Mode of infection: Skin penetration (walking barefoot - ground itch)
Life cycle: Skin -> blood -> lungs -> trachea -> intestine -> adult worm -> suck blood
Complications: Iron deficiency anemia (most common), hypoproteinemia, ground itch, Loeffler's pneumonia
Diagnosis: Stool exam (eggs - thin shell, segmented)
Q24. Leptospirosis (Q14)
Agent: Leptospira interrogans (spirochete), zoonosis (reservoir: rats)
Transmission: Contact with contaminated water/soil (through skin abrasions)
Clinical: Weil's disease = jaundice + renal failure + hemorrhage
Lab: Dark field microscopy (blood, 1st week), serology (MAT - Microscopic Agglutination Test), ELISA
Treatment: Penicillin / Doxycycline
Q25. Taenia solium (Q15, Paper 2 Q6)
Definitive host: Man (adult tapeworm in intestine - taeniasis)
Intermediate host: Pig (cysticercus cellulosae in muscles)
Cysticercosis in humans: Man accidentally becomes intermediate host (ingests eggs from contaminated food/water or autoinfection)
Neurocysticercosis: Cysticerci in brain -> seizures, raised ICP
Diagnosis: Stool (proglottids), CT/MRI brain (neurocysticercosis), serology (ELISA), CT shows "hole with a dot" (scolex in cyst)
Treatment: Praziquantel / Albendazole + Steroids (neurocysticercosis)
Q26. Filariasis (Q11)
Agent: Wuchereria bancrofti, Vector: Culex mosquito
Life cycle: Infective L3 larvae from mosquito bite -> lymphatics -> adult worm -> microfilariae (nocturnal periodicity) in blood
Pathogenesis: Adult worms in lymphatics -> lymphatic obstruction -> lymphedema -> elephantiasis (Lymphedema, hydrocele, chyluria)
Diagnosis: Midnight blood smear (Giemsa), Knott's concentration, ICT card test, USG (dancing filaria sign)
Treatment: DEC (Diethylcarbamazine), Ivermectin + Albendazole (MDA program)
Q27. Immune Response / CMI (Q23)
Innate Immunity: Non-specific, immediate (skin, mucus, NK cells, complement, phagocytes)
Acquired/Adaptive: Specific, memory
- Active: Natural (infection) or Artificial (vaccination)
- Passive: Natural (maternal Ab, colostrum) or Artificial (IVIG, antitoxin)
Cell Mediated Immunity (CMI): T lymphocytes (CD4 helper, CD8 cytotoxic)
- CD4 Th1 -> IL-2, IFN-γ -> macrophage activation -> intracellular pathogens (TB, fungi, viruses)
- CD8 CTL -> kill virus-infected cells
- Assessment: Lymphocyte proliferation test, Delayed hypersensitivity skin test (Mantoux)
Q28. MRSA (Q31)
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus:
- mecA gene -> encodes PBP2a (altered penicillin binding protein) -> low affinity for all beta-lactams
- MRSA resistant to: ALL beta-lactams (penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems)
- Hospital-acquired (HA-MRSA) vs Community-acquired (CA-MRSA)
- Treatment: Vancomycin (drug of choice), Linezolid, Daptomycin, Tigecycline
- Detection: Cefoxitin disc diffusion, mecA PCR, VITEK
Q29. Dermatophytes (Q25)
Types: Tinea capitis (scalp), Tinea corporis (ringworm of body), Tinea pedis (athlete's foot), Tinea unguium (nail - onychomycosis), Tinea cruris (jock itch)
Organisms: Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epidermophyton
Diagnosis: KOH mount (branching hyphae + arthrospores), Woods lamp (green fluorescence - Microsporum), Culture on Sabouraud's dextrose agar
Treatment: Topical antifungals (clotrimazole, miconazole), Terbinafine, Griseofulvin (nails/scalp)
Q30. Gas Gangrene (Q45)
Agent: Clostridium perfringens (type A) - Gram +ve, anaerobic rod, spore-forming
Toxin: Alpha toxin (lecithinase/phospholipase C) - most important
Features: Wound infection, gas in tissue, sweet smell, crepitus, myonecrosis
Diagnosis: Gram stain (Gram +ve rods, no spores in tissue), culture (anaerobic), X-ray (gas in tissue)
Treatment: Surgical debridement (MOST important), high dose Penicillin, Hyperbaric O2
PAPER 2 - HIGH YIELD ANSWERS
⭐ Q1. Tuberculosis (Q12)
Agent: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, acid-fast bacillus (ZN stain - red on blue background), slow grower
Pathogenesis: Droplet transmission -> primary complex (Ghon focus + lymphadenopathy) -> healed / progressive primary / post-primary
Lab Diagnosis:
- Sputum: ZN stain (AFB +ve), Auramine rhodamine fluorescence (sensitive)
- Culture: LJ medium (6-8 weeks), BACTEC MGIT (2 weeks) - gold standard
- Molecular: GeneXpert MTB/RIF (detects TB + rifampicin resistance in 2 hrs) - MOST important
- Line Probe Assay (LPA): MTBDRplus (detects R, H resistance), MTBDRsl (second-line)
- Tuberculin Skin Test (Mantoux): PPD 5 TU intradermal, read at 48-72 hrs, induration ≥10 mm positive
Treatment (RIPE):
- Intensive (2 months): Rifampicin + Isoniazid + Pyrazinamide + Ethambutol
- Continuation (4 months): Rifampicin + Isoniazid
- MDR-TB: Resistant to R + H. XDR-TB: MDR + Fluoroquinolone + injectable resistance
Atypical Mycobacteria (NTM): M. avium complex (MAC), M. kansasii, M. fortuitum, M. marinum ("fish tank granuloma"), M. ulcerans (Buruli ulcer)
⭐ Q2. Bacterial Meningitis (Q8)
Common organisms by age:
- Neonates: Group B Streptococcus, E. coli, Listeria
- Children: Neisseria meningitidis, H. influenzae
- Adults: Neisseria meningitidis, S. pneumoniae
- Elderly: S. pneumoniae, Listeria
Lab Diagnosis of Meningitis - CSF Analysis:
| Parameter | Normal | Bacterial | Viral | TB | Fungal |
|---|
| Appearance | Clear | Turbid | Clear | Fibrin web | Clear |
| Cells | 0-5 | >1000 (PMN) | <500 (Lymph) | 100-500 (Lymph) | Lymph |
| Protein | 20-45 | ↑↑ | Normal/↑ | ↑↑ | ↑ |
| Glucose | 50-80% | ↓↓ | Normal | ↓ | ↓ |
Meningococcal Meningitis: N. meningitidis, Gram -ve diplococci (kidney bean shaped), causes Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome (bilateral adrenal hemorrhage)
Cryptococcal Meningitis: C. neoformans, India ink prep (capsule visible as halo), latex agglutination (capsular polysaccharide), mainly in HIV patients. Treatment: Amphotericin B + Flucytosine, then Fluconazole
TB Meningitis: CSF - cobweb clot, lymphocytes, high protein, low glucose, AFB (rarely positive), ADA elevated
⭐ Q3. Syphilis (Q11)
Agent: Treponema pallidum (spirochete), not culturable in vitro
Transmission: Sexual contact, vertical (congenital), blood
Stages:
- Primary: Painless chancre (single, indurated, clean base) at site of inoculation
- Secondary: Condylomata lata, maculopapular rash (palms & soles), highly infectious
- Latent: No symptoms, serology positive
- Tertiary: Gumma (any organ), cardiovascular (aortitis), neurosyphilis
Lab Diagnosis:
- Direct: Dark field microscopy (primary/secondary lesions), DFA
- Non-treponemal (screening): VDRL, RPR (quantitative, disease activity)
- Treponemal (confirmatory): TPHA, FTA-ABS, TPPA (remain positive for life)
RPR Test: Cardiolipin antigen + charcoal particles. Flocculation test. Quantitative. Biological false positive: SLE, pregnancy, malaria, infections
Treatment: Benzathine Penicillin G (drug of choice for all stages)
⭐ Q4. Rabies (Q3)
Agent: Lyssavirus (Rhabdovirus), ss RNA, bullet-shaped
Transmission: Bite of infected animal (dog most common)
Pathogenesis: Virus enters peripheral nerve -> travels to CNS (centripetal) -> replicates -> spreads to salivary glands
Pathognomonic: Negri bodies (eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusions in Purkinje cells of cerebellum, hippocampus)
Lab Diagnosis:
- Post-mortem: Negri bodies (H&E or Sellers stain), FAT (most sensitive)
- Antemortem: Skin biopsy (nape of neck), CSF, Saliva - DFA/PCR
PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis):
- Wound washing (soap + water 15 min - most important)
- RIG (Rabies Immunoglobulin): HRIG 20 IU/kg - infiltrate wound + IM (if not vaccinated previously)
- Vaccine: 4 doses (days 0, 3, 7, 14) - Purified chick embryo cell (PCEC) / PVRV
⭐ Q5. Streptococcus pyogenes (Q7)
Group A Streptococcus (GAS), beta-hemolytic
Virulence factors: M protein (anti-phagocytic, main virulence), Streptolysin S & O, Streptokinase, Hyaluronidase, Erythrogenic toxin (scarlet fever)
Diseases: Pharyngitis, Impetigo, Scarlet fever, Erysipelas, Necrotizing fasciitis, Toxic shock-like syndrome
Post-streptococcal complications:
- Rheumatic fever (pharyngitis, not skin) - carditis, arthritis, Sydenham's chorea, subcutaneous nodules, erythema marginatum
- Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) - pharyngitis or skin infection
Lab: Culture on blood agar (beta hemolysis), Bacitracin sensitive (differentiates from other streptococci), ASO titer (retrospective diagnosis)
⭐ Q6. Diphtheria (Q2)
Agent: Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Gram +ve rod, Chinese letter arrangement, club shaped (metachromatic/Babes-Ernst granules)
Toxin: Exotoxin (coded by beta phage) - inhibits protein synthesis by ADP-ribosylation of EF-2 (elongation factor 2)
Disease: Pseudomembrane in throat (grayish-white, bleeds on removal), Bull neck, myocarditis, neuropathy
Lab: Loeffler's serum slope (metachromatic granules), Tellurite agar (black/gray colonies), Elek's gel precipitation test (toxigenicity)
Schick Test: Intradermal diphtheria toxin. Positive = susceptible (no antitoxin). Negative = immune.
Treatment: Diphtheria antitoxin (DAT) + Penicillin/Erythromycin
⭐ Q7. Polio Virus (Q4)
Agent: Picornavirus, Enterovirus, 3 serotypes (P1, P2, P3)
Transmission: Feco-oral
Pathogenesis: Oropharynx -> GI tract -> viremia -> anterior horn cells of spinal cord -> flaccid paralysis (lower motor neuron)
Vaccine Comparison:
| Feature | OPV (Sabin) | IPV (Salk) |
|---|
| Type | Live attenuated | Killed |
| Route | Oral | Injection |
| Immunity | Mucosal (IgA) + Humoral | Humoral only |
| Herd immunity | Yes | No |
| Risk | VAPP (1:2.4 million) | None |
| Storage | Cold chain required | More stable |
⭐ Q8. Influenza / Swine Flu (Q5)
Agent: Orthomyxovirus, ss RNA, segmented (8 segments)
Antigens: Hemagglutinin (HA) - attachment, Neuraminidase (NA) - release
Antigenic Shift: Major change (reassortment of segments) -> pandemic
Antigenic Drift: Minor change (point mutations) -> seasonal epidemics
H1N1 (Swine Flu):
- Diagnosis: RT-PCR (nasopharyngeal swab) - gold standard
- Treatment: Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), Zanamivir
- Prophylaxis: Annual influenza vaccine (trivalent/quadrivalent)
⭐ Q9. Clostridium tetani (Q14)
Agent: Gram +ve, anaerobic spore-forming rod. Drumstick appearance (terminal spore).
Toxin: Tetanospasmin (neurotoxin) - blocks release of inhibitory neurotransmitters (GABA, Glycine) at Renshaw cells -> spastic paralysis
Features: Trismus (lockjaw), risus sardonicus, opisthotonos
Lab: Clinical diagnosis. Culture difficult.
Treatment: Tetanus antitoxin (HTIG), Penicillin, Metronidazole, muscle relaxants, wound debridement
Prevention: Tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccine - 3 doses (DTP/Td schedule). Booster every 10 years.
⭐ Q10. Gonorrhea & STIs (Q1, Paper 2)
Agent: Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Gram -ve diplococci (intracellular in PMNs - pathognomonic)
Other STI organisms: Treponema pallidum (syphilis), Chlamydia trachomatis (NGU, LGV), HSV-2, HPV, Trichomonas vaginalis, Haemophilus ducreyi (chancroid)
Pathogenesis: Pili + OMP -> attachment to columnar epithelium -> inflammation -> purulent discharge
Complications: PID, Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome (perihepatitis), DGI, ophthalmia neonatorum (in newborn)
Lab: Gram stain (urethral discharge) - diplococci in PMNs, Culture on Thayer-Martin medium (modified chocolate agar + antibiotics), NAAT (most sensitive)
Treatment: Ceftriaxone + Azithromycin (dual therapy)
⭐ Q11. Echinococcus granulosus (Q9)
Agent: Dog tapeworm, causes Hydatid disease/cystic echinococcosis
Definitive host: Dog/wolf. Intermediate host: Sheep, cattle, humans (accidentally)
Transmission: Ingesting eggs from dog feces
Site: Liver (most common), Lung
Structure: Hydatid cyst - pericyst (host), ectocyst (laminated membrane), endocyst (germinal layer), brood capsules, scolices, hydatid sand
Diagnosis: USG (best), CT scan, Casoni test (intradermal), serology (ELISA), Eosinophilia
Treatment: PAIR (Puncture, Aspiration, Injection of hypertonic saline/ethanol, Re-aspiration) + Albendazole. Surgery.
Caution: Do NOT aspirate blindly - risk of anaphylaxis from spillage
Q12. Plague (Q13)
Agent: Yersinia pestis, Gram -ve bipolar staining ("safety pin" appearance), zoonosis (rats)
Vector: Rat flea (Xenopsylla cheopis)
Clinical Types:
- Bubonic plague: Bubo (painful lymph node enlargement in groin/axilla)
- Pneumonic plague: Most dangerous, person-to-person, 100% mortality if untreated
- Septicemic plague: DIC, hemorrhage
Lab: Wayson stain (bipolar safety pin), Culture, Fluorescent antibody test
Treatment: Streptomycin (drug of choice), Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin
Q13. Aspergillosis (Q23)
Agent: Aspergillus fumigatus (most common), A. flavus, A. niger
Morphology: Septate hyphae with acute angle branching (45°), fruiting bodies
Forms:
- Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA): Asthma + eosinophilia + fleeting shadows
- Aspergilloma: Fungal ball in pre-existing cavity (Monod sign/air crescent sign on X-ray)
- Invasive Aspergillosis: Immunocompromised (neutropenia) - most serious
- Otomycosis: External ear infection
Diagnosis: Culture (SDA), Galactomannan (serum/BAL), Beta-glucan, CT chest (halo sign in invasive), Biopsy
Treatment: Voriconazole (drug of choice), Amphotericin B
Q14. Mycobacterium tuberculosis - Molecular Methods (Q12)
- GeneXpert MTB/RIF: Cartridge-based PCR, detects TB + rifampicin resistance in 2 hours
- Line Probe Assay (LPA): GenoType MTBDRplus (detects rpoB, inhA, katG mutations = R+H resistance)
- MALDI-TOF: Rapid identification
- CBNAAT: Same as Xpert (Cartridge Based NAAT)
- LAMP (Loop-mediated isothermal amplification): Field use
Q15. COVID-19 (Q15)
Agent: SARS-CoV-2, Betacoronavirus, enveloped, +ss RNA, large genome
Spike protein (S): Binds ACE2 receptor on type II pneumocytes
Pathogenesis: ACE2 entry -> viral replication -> cytokine storm -> ARDS, hypercoagulability, multiorgan failure
Lab: RT-PCR (gold standard), Rapid Antigen Test (screening), Antibody (past infection/vaccine response)
Treatment: Remdesivir, Dexamethasone (for severe/hypoxemic), Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (Paxlovid)
Q16. Neisseria Meningitidis (Q8)
Gram -ve diplococci, ferments glucose AND maltose (differentiates from N. gonorrhoeae)
Capsular polysaccharide groups: A, B, C, W135, Y
Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome: Bilateral adrenal hemorrhage, purpuric rash, shock (meningococcemia)
Lab: CSF - Gram stain (diplococci), culture on chocolate agar/Thayer-Martin, meningococcal antigen detection
Treatment: Penicillin G / Ceftriaxone
Prophylaxis: Rifampicin (contacts), Meningococcal vaccine (ACWY)
Q17. Chlamydia / LGV (Q20)
C. trachomatis - obligate intracellular pathogen
- Serotypes A, B, Ba: Trachoma (blindness)
- Serotypes D-K: NGU, PID, neonatal conjunctivitis
- Serotypes L1, L2, L3: Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)
LGV: Painless papule/ulcer -> painful inguinal lymphadenopathy (bubo) -> groove sign (buboes above and below inguinal ligament)
Diagnosis: Serology (complement fixation), NAAT
Treatment: Doxycycline (21 days)
Q18. Toxoplasma gondii (Q32)
Definitive host: Cat (sexual cycle). Intermediate host: All warm-blooded animals/humans
Transmission: Ingestion of oocysts (cat feces) or tissue cysts (undercooked meat), vertical
Congenital Toxoplasmosis: Tetrad: Hydrocephalus, chorioretinitis, intracranial calcifications, psychomotor retardation
Diagnosis: Serology (ELISA - IgM acute), PCR (amniotic fluid), CT (ring-enhancing lesions in HIV)
Treatment: Pyrimethamine + Sulfadiazine + Folinic acid
Q19. Mycoplasma Pneumonia / Atypical Pneumonia (Q35)
Agent: Mycoplasma pneumoniae - smallest free-living organism, NO cell wall
Features: "Walking pneumonia" - mild, insidious onset. Doesn't respond to beta-lactams (no cell wall target).
Lab: Cold agglutinins (IgM against I antigen on RBCs), serology (ELISA), Culture on Eaton's medium (requires cholesterol)
Diagnosis: Serology (complement fixation, ELISA), PCR
Treatment: Macrolides (Azithromycin), Doxycycline, Fluoroquinolones
Q20. Brucellosis (Q45)
Agent: Brucella (Gram -ve coccobacilli), zoonosis. B. abortus (cattle), B. melitensis (goats - most virulent), B. suis (pigs)
Transmission: Ingestion of unpasteurized milk/cheese, direct contact with animals
Lab Diagnosis:
- Blood culture (Castaneda's medium - most definitive)
- Serology: SAT (Standard Agglutination Test) titer ≥1:160 significant, Rose Bengal test (screening), ELISA
- Brucellergy test (skin test)
Treatment: Doxycycline + Rifampicin (6 weeks) - combination essential
Q21. Trichomonas vaginalis (Q33)
Agent: Flagellate protozoa, ONLY trophozoite form (no cyst), pear-shaped, 4 anterior flagella + undulating membrane
Clinical: Vaginal discharge (frothy, greenish-yellow, foul smelling), strawberry cervix, dysuria
Lab: Wet mount (saline) - pear-shaped motile trophozoites, culture (Diamond's medium), NAAT
Treatment: Metronidazole (single dose 2g) - treat both partners
Q22. Pertussis (Q50)
Agent: Bordetella pertussis, Gram -ve coccobacillus
Toxin: Pertussis toxin (ADP-ribosylation of Gi protein) -> lymphocytosis, ↑histamine sensitization
Stages: Catarrhal (most contagious) -> Paroxysmal (whooping cough - whoop during inspiration) -> Convalescent
Lab: Pernasal swab/NPA -> Bordet-Gengou medium (potato blood agar), PCR
Treatment: Azithromycin (or Erythromycin), Amoxicillin
Vaccine: DTP/DTaP vaccine
Q23. Naegleria fowleri (Q29)
Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)
Transmission: Swimming in warm freshwater lakes/ponds (enters via cribriform plate)
Trophozoite forms: Amoeboid, Flagellate (distinguishing feature), Cyst
Clinical: Fulminant meningoencephalitis, almost always fatal
Diagnosis: CSF - motile trophozoites, CT brain, culture
Treatment: Amphotericin B (rarely successful), Miltefosine
Q24. Slow Viral Infections (Q24)
| Disease | Agent | Feature |
|---|
| Kuru | Prion | Cannibalism (Fore tribe), cerebellar ataxia |
| CJD (Creutzfeldt-Jakob) | Prion | Rapidly progressive dementia, myoclonus |
| SSPE | Measles virus | Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, progressive dementia |
| PML | JC virus | In immunocompromised |
| HIV encephalopathy | HIV | |
Prions: Proteinaceous infectious particles. PrPc (normal) -> PrPsc (misfolded, disease-causing). No nucleic acid. Resistant to heat, UV, formalin.
Q25. Oncogenic Viruses (Q36)
| Virus | Associated Cancer |
|---|
| HPV 16, 18 | Cervical, oropharyngeal carcinoma |
| EBV | Burkitt lymphoma, NPC, Hodgkin's |
| HBV, HCV | Hepatocellular carcinoma |
| HTLV-1 | Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma |
| HHV-8 (KSHV) | Kaposi sarcoma |
| MCPyV | Merkel cell carcinoma |
Q26. Japanese Encephalitis (Q40)
Agent: Flavivirus (RNA), Vector: Culex tritaeniorhynchus mosquito, Reservoir: Pigs + Wading birds
Clinical: Encephalitis, fever, seizures, Parkinsonian features
Lab: IgM capture ELISA (CSF/serum), RT-PCR, CSF - lymphocytic pleocytosis
Treatment: Supportive
Vaccine: SA14-14-2 live attenuated (most used), Inactivated JE vaccine (IXIARO)
Q27. Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (Q38)
Includes: Ebola, Marburg, Lassa, Crimean-Congo HF, Dengue HF, Yellow fever, Hantavirus
Common features: Fever, hemorrhage, thrombocytopenia, high mortality
Ebola: Filovirus, fruit bats (reservoir), human-to-human contact, treatment: Zmapp (monoclonal Ab)
Dengue HF: Platelet <100,000, hematocrit ↑>20%, hemorrhagic manifestations
Crimean-Congo HF: Tick-borne (Hyalomma tick), Ribavirin treatment
Lassa fever: Rodent reservoir, Ribavirin treatment
Q28. Mumps (Q49)
Agent: Paramyxovirus, ss RNA, enveloped, spiky surface
Features: Parotitis (painful bilateral), Orchitis (post-pubertal males - can cause infertility), Meningitis, Pancreatitis
Lab: Serology (ELISA IgM), viral culture (urine/saliva), RT-PCR
Treatment: Supportive
Vaccine: MMR (live attenuated)
Q29. Congenital Rubella Syndrome (Q47)
Gregg's triad: Cataracts + Congenital heart defects (PDA, pulmonary stenosis) + Sensorineural deafness
Risk highest: First trimester (>80% risk)
Other features: Blueberry muffin rash (extramedullary hematopoiesis), microcephaly, IUGR
Lab: IgM (baby), virus isolation from urine, PCR
Prevention: MMR vaccine (pre-conception), avoid in pregnancy
Q30. Zygomycosis / Mucormycosis (Q46)
Agents: Rhizopus, Mucor, Absidia (class Zygomycetes/Mucorales)
Morphology: Broad, non-septate hyphae, wide-angle (90°) branching - distinguishes from Aspergillus
Predisposing: Diabetes (DKA - most common), immunosuppression, iron chelation therapy (deferoxamine)
Forms: Rhinocerebral (most common), Pulmonary, Cutaneous, GI, Disseminated
Lab: KOH mount/Biopsy (wide non-septate hyphae), culture on SDA, iron stain (iron-loving)
Treatment: Liposomal Amphotericin B + aggressive surgical debridement
AETCOM KEY POINTS (Both Papers)
For ALL sensitive results (HIV, HBV, HCV) disclosure:
- Call patient in private setting (not over phone)
- Maintain confidentiality
- Use simple non-technical language
- Show empathy, do not be judgmental
- Explain disease, treatment options, prognosis
- Counseling - partner notification, safe sex, blood donation restriction
- Follow local NACO/hospital guidelines
Informed Consent (surgery communication):
- Nature of disease + diagnosis
- Nature of surgery + alternatives
- Risks and benefits
- Right to refuse
- Post-operative care
- Use vernacular language if needed
5 Moments of Hand Hygiene (WHO):
- Before patient contact
- Before aseptic procedure
- After body fluid exposure
- After patient contact
- After contact with patient surroundings
Study Priority Order:
Paper 1: HIV > Malaria > Typhoid > Hepatitis > Hypersensitivity > Sterilization > Drug resistance > ELISA > Cholera > E. histolytica
Paper 2: TB > Meningitis > Syphilis > Rabies > Gonorrhea > Diphtheria > Polio > Tetanus > Influenza > EchinococcusThat's your complete cheat sheet! Here's a quick summary of what's covered:
Paper 1 - 30 topics answered including all ⭐ high-yield ones:
HIV/AIDS, Typhoid, Hypersensitivity (all 4 types), Autoimmunity/SLE, Malaria (including cerebral malaria), Hepatitis viruses (all markers), Sterilization/Autoclave, ELISA, Dengue, Drug resistance/MRSA, E. histolytica/Liver abscess, Diarrheagenic E. coli, Leishmaniasis, VZV/Herpes zoster, Cholera, Immunoglobulins, Leprosy, Complement pathways, Giardia, Ascaris, Hookworm, Leptospirosis, Taenia solium, Filariasis, CMI/Immunity types, Dermatophytes, Gas gangrene + more
Paper 2 - 30 topics answered including all ⭐ high-yield ones:
TB (all molecular methods), Bacterial/TB/Cryptococcal Meningitis, Syphilis/RPR, Rabies/PEP, Strep pyogenes, Diphtheria/Elek's test, Polio (OPV vs IPV), Influenza/H1N1, Tetanus, Gonorrhea/STIs, Echinococcus, Plague, Aspergillosis, COVID-19, Chlamydia/LGV, Toxoplasma, Atypical pneumonia, Brucellosis, Trichomonas, Pertussis, Naegleria, Slow viruses/Prions, Oncogenic viruses, JE, VHFs, Mumps, Congenital Rubella, Zygomycosis + AETCOM
Topics NOT yet covered (less likely but can do if time permits): Actinomycosis, Campylobacter, Blood culture methods, Enrichment/selective media, Allograft/GVHD, Larva migrans, Toxic shock syndrome, Viral gastroenteritis, Enterobius, H. pylori, Satellite phenomenon, Anaerobic vaginosis, Tularemia, Borrelia vincenti, Paragonimiasis - let me know if you want any of these!