ERIE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
NORTH CAMPUS
COURSE OUTLINE
A.
Unit Code and
Suggested Course Title:
2188
ML 228-Clinical Microbiology II
B.
Curriculum/Program:
Clinical Laboratory Technician
C.
Catalog Description:
Continuation of ML 218 with the discussion of the pathogenesis and identification of
specific microorganisms isolated from clinical specimens according to the ASCP Board
of Certification Guidelines for CLT (MLT) curriculum. A taxonomic approach will be
used in presenting the groups of microorganisms.
Prerequisites: ML 218 and ML 219.
Co-requisites: ML 229.
S (N)
D.
Duration of
Instructional Period:
50 minutes, 2 class meetings per week, 15 weeks
E.
Academic Credit Hours:
Contact Hours:
2.0
2.0
(2-0-2)
F.
Suggested Text/
Course Materials:
Diagnostic Microbiology: A Study Guide,
by Margaret A. Bartelt
A Photographic Atlas for the Microbiology
Laboratory, by Michael J. Leboffe and Burton E.
Pierce
Microbiology: Principles and Explorations, by
Jacquelyn Black
G.
Course Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1.
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Collection and Handling of Specimens for Microbiological Examination:
a. Describe procedures for appropriate body site sampling and proper time for
collection of microbiological specimens.
b. State the appropriate collection/transport device for various patient
specimens; e.g. throat culture.
c. Outline the proper procedures for handling microbiological specimens which
may be a possible cause of laboratory acquired infections such as respiratory
tract specimens or suspected systemic fungal infections.
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2.
Cultivation and Isolation of Microbes from Patient Specimens:
a. State the necessary growth conditions for cultivation of pathogenic microbes.
b. List the components of primary plating media and the appropriate use of
each type of media.
c. State the necessary growth conditions for cultivation of pathogenic microbes
from patient specimens.
d. Identify the possible bacteria which may be isolated from various types of
body specimens.
e. Outline the approach to the identification of pathogens including the Gram
Stain reaction, biochemical, enzyme, and agglutination tests.
3.
Bacterial Pathogens:
The following groups of microorganisms will be examined and described
according to the characteristics listed below in items a-c: Gram positive cocci,
Gram negative aerobic cocci, Gram positive bacilli, Gram positive spore
forming bacilli, enteric Gram negative bacilli, Gram negative coccobacilli,
spirochetes and other spiral-shaped organisms and non-fermenting Gram
negative bacilli.
a. Compare and contrast the characteristics of the group of pathogenic
microbes
listed above in relation to cell and colony morphology, staining, and
biochemical reactions.
b. Describe symptoms, mode of transmission and virulence characteristics of
each organism.
c. Outline methods of identification of member genera utilizing specific media,
biochemical tests, and culture techniques, including both presumptive and
confirmatory tests.
The preceding is applied to the following topics – Groups 1 to 9:
1. Gram Negative Enteric Bacteria (Enterobacteriaceae):
a. Differentiate between normal intestinal flora, a primary pathogen,
and an opportunistic pathogen.
b. Define the family Enterobacteriaceae on a morphological and
biochemical basis and list the pathogenic members of the family
using genus and species designation.
c. Identify the reactive component for the individual biochemical
media.
d. For each genus discussed, the student will complete the following:
1. State the organism’s microscopic morphology.
2. Describe the colony morphology on selective and differential
media.
3. Identify the key biochemical reactions of the specific genera
belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family.
4. State the key biochemical reactions to differentiate the species
within a genus.
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5. Review the pathogenesis of significant enteric microorganisms.
e. Describe the antigenic structure of: E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella.
f. Define the concept of serologic identification of the enteric bacilli,
include antigen and location on the bacterial cell.
2. Non-Fermentative Gram Negative Bacilli:
a. State the principle of the oxidative-fermentative test.
b. Describe the procedures for the identification of a member of this
group such as the oxidase reaction, motility, growth on MacConkey
agar and flagella stain.
c. Explain how OF Medium may be used to differentiate fermentative,
oxidative, and non-saccharolytic organisms.
d. Identify significant species of Alcaligenes, Pseudomonas, Burkholderia,
Chryseobacterium, Stenotrophomonas, Acinetobacter, and Moraxella
3. Vibrionaceae, Curved Gram Negative Bacilli, and Oxidase Positive
Fermenters: Vibrio, Campylobacter, Helicobacter pylori, Aeromonas,
and Plesiomonas
a. State the significant characteristics of Vibrio cholerae including
selective media (TCBS) for isolation, cell morphology, flagellar
arrangement, and RBC agglutination.
b. Describe the pathogenesis of cholera and how it is effectively treated.
c. List the important features of Vibrio parahaemolyticus including
disease production and differentiation from V. cholerae.
d. State the isolation procedures and identifying traits of Campylobacter
jejuni including complex atmospheric conditions, selective media,
biochemical tests, and appearance on a direct smear.
e. Describe the disease produced by C. jejuni pylori.
f. Review the significant features of Helicobacter pylori including
laboratory identification, pathogenesis, and treatment of peptic ulcer
disease.
g. Be able to differentiate Aeromonas hydrophilia and Plesiomonas
shigelloides according to growth on selective media, DNase, V-P
test, flagellar arrangement, and hemolysis on blood agar
h. State how A. hydrophilia and P. shigelloides infections are acquired.
4. Gram Negative Coccobacillary Facultative Bacteria
Pasteurella, Francisella, Bordetella, Haemophilus, and Legionella
a. Describe the major diseases produced by the genera in this group.
b. List the identifying features of the major pathogens including
P. multocida, F. tularensis, Bordetella pertussis, and Legionella
pneumophila.
c. Characterize the significant Haemophilus species according to
biochemical testing and “X” and “V” factor requirements.
d. State the diseases produced by pathogenic Haemophilus species
5. Aerobic Gram Negative Cocci
a. Define the Neisseria on a morphological and biochemical basis.
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b. List the pathogenic members of the family Neisseriaceae.
c. Differentiate Neisseria gonorrhoeae from Neisseria meningitides
and Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis.
d. For each member genus and species, the student will complete the
following:
1. Characterize specimen collection techniques.
2. Describe culture media procedures for isolation.
3. Outline preliminary identification features (screening).
4. Describe colony morphology variation.
5. List steps for serologic classification
6. Identify key biochemical reactions of the specific species.
e. List nonbiochemical identification tests.
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6.
Staphylococci and Micrococci:
a. Differentiate the Staphylococcus aureus from other staphylococci
and micrococci.
b. Describe morphology and general characteristics of staphylococci
and micrococci.
c. Differentiate coagulase negative staphylococci.
d. Discuss Staphylococcus aureus regarding its structure and
extracellular products.
e. List and outline: identification techniques for Staph aureus,
Staph epidermidis, and Staph saprophyticus.
f. Discuss antibiotic susceptibility of Staph aureus.
g, Compare hemolytic differences among these organisms.
h. Describe the coagulase test reactions of species listed.
i. List the significant ingredients and the results obtainable from the
blood agar plate, coagulase test, Mannitol salt agar and DNase test.
j. List pathological conditions caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
k. State the primary pathological condition caused by:
(1) Staphylococcus epidermidis and (2) Staph saprophyticus.
 List the areas of the human body to which staphylococcus is
indigenous.
7.
Streptococci, Including Enterococci and Pneumococci:
a. Describe the procedure for distinguishing between the genus
Staphylococcus and the genus Streptococcus.
b. List several species of the genus Streptococcus.
c. Classify Streptococci according to their hemolytic reactions on
blood agar.
d. Outline presumptive identification procedures used for streptococci.
e. Discuss epidemiology and pathogenic mechanisms of the genus
Streptococcus.
f. Describe beta-hemolytic streptococci susceptibility differences to
the antibiotic bacitracin or “A” disk test.
g. List diseases caused by beta hemolytic Group A Streptococcus.
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h. Outline and describe the tests or procedures for the identification of
Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, Enterococcus
faecalis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Streptococcus viridans.
i. Characterize Lancefield’s serological identification using specific
organisms as examples.
j. List specific culture media and reagents for the identification of
Group A Beta Hemolytic Streptococci (Streptococcus pyogenes).
Indicate why identification of a specific streptococcus group
necessary for proper antimicrobial therapy and control of some
infections.
l. Discuss the pathological significance of the capsule.
m. Describe differences in optochin susceptibility or “P” disk test in
alpha-hemolytic streptococci.
n. Differentiate pneumococci from other alpha-hemolytic streptococci.
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8.
Gram Positive Bacilli: aerobic spore forming Bacillus, aerobic nonspore forming Corynebacterium, Listeria, and others.
a. Characterize the genus Bacillus.
b. List the forms of anthrax which can occur in humans.
c. Outline identification methods for B. anthracis B.cereus.
d. List common genera of the aerobic, non-spore forming group of
Gram positive bacilli.
e. Discuss epidemiology and pathogenesis of Listerosis.
f. Outline laboratory identification of Listeria monocytogenes.
g. Characterize the genus Corynebacterium.
h. Discuss the term diphtheroid and how it relates to the
Corynebacteria.
i. Outline isolation procedures of C. diphtheriae from suspected
clinical material.
j. List type of infections caused by C. diphtheriae and control
measures.
k. Outline the pathogenesis of Nocardia infection.
l. List laboratory identification procedures of Nocardia including
microscopic and cultural features.
9.
Spirochetes (Treponema, Borrelia, and Leptospira)
a. State the main features of the Spirochaetaceae family.
b. Be able to describe Treponema, Borrelia, and Leptospira based
upon cell morphology.
c. State the difficulties associated with Gram staining spirochetes and
cultivating in the lab.
d. Describe the pathogenesis of infection caused by the various
Treponema species.
e. List the tests both treponemal and non-treponemal used to identify
Treponema pallidum.
f. State the main features of Borrelia recurrentis and pathogenesis of
relapsing fever.
g. Discuss Lyme disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi including
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diagnostic procedures.
h. Briefly describe the disease and identifying characteristics the
disease and identifying characteristics of Leptospira interrogans.
i. List the animal reservoirs of Leptosporosis.
j. State the important features of Weil’s Syndrome.
10.
H.
Bioterrorism
a. Define the term bioweapon.
b. List the significant agents (microorganisms or toxins) which may be
potential biological weapons.
c. Define the terms that are primary factors of bioweapons including
infectivity, pathogenicity, virulence, toxicity, transmissibility, and
incubation period.
d. Describe the role of the smallpox virus as a potential biological
weapon.
e. State the mechanisms of disease production by Bacillus anthracis and
how it has been used as a bioweapon in the past and present.
f. Discuss the role of vaccination in the prevention of smallpox and
anthrax outbreaks.
g. Give the rationale behind the use of Clostridium botulinum toxin as an
effective bioweapon.
Program Competencies:
Upon graduation with an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory
Technician, the graduate will be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
I.
Following prescribed procedures, performs routine analytical tests in chemistry,
hematology, hemostasis, immunology, immunohematology, and microbiology.
(1-9)
Recognize abnormal or unusual test results and follow institutional procedures for
reporting critical values. (1-9)
Perform related work as assigned. (1-10)
Demonstrate behavior consistent with acceptable professional conduct standards
such as appearance, quality of work, quantity of work, human relation skills,
leadership skills, written and verbal communication skills. (1-10)
SUNY General Education Knowledge and Skills Areas:
Not applicable to course offerings in Health Science Division.
J.
ECC Learning Outcomes (LO):
1.
2.
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Information Literacy (1-10)
Scientific Reasoning (1-10)
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K.
Student Learning:
K1. Evaluation of Student Learning: Achievement of the course objectives may be
measured by hourly examination, quizzes, selected homework assignments and case
study evaluation. The final grade will be calculated as follows:
 Four exams (each 25%) 100%
 An optional fifth (cumulative) exam may be administered at the end of the semester
which would replace the lowest scored exam.
K2. Assessment of Student Learning: The methods of evaluation should be consistent
with the level of the course and meet criteria as set forth by the Accreditation Agencies
to include cognitive levels, I, II, and III, as well as, affective and psychomotor skills
appropriate to the course.
L
Library Resources:
Students are encouraged to read current literature on related topics. Copies of selected
current journals are available in the Microbiology laboratory and in the ECC Library.
M.
Topical Outline:
Instructional Units:
3/08
Instructional Periods
UNIT I:
Introduction to Clinical Microbiology
Specimen Collection and Handling
1.0 week
UNIT II:.
Use of Plating Media for Clinical Specimens
0.5 week
UNIT III:.
Staphylococci and Micrococci
1.5 weeks
UNIT IV:
Streptococci, Pneumococci, and Enterococci
1.5 weeks
UNIT V:
Aerobic Gram Negative Cocci
Neisseria species / Moraxella catarrhalis
1.0 week
UNIT VI:
Enterobacteriaceae
E. coli, Shigella, and Salmonella sp.; Proteus,
Providencia, and Morganella sp; Serratia, Enterobacter,
and Edwardsiella sp.; Yersinia sp.
1.5 weeks
UNIT VII:
Non Fermentative Gram Negative Bacilli
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia sp.
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Chryseobacterium sp.
and Alcaligenes faecalis; Acinetobacter and Moraxella sp.
1.0 week
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UNIT VIII.
Miscellaneous Gram Negative Bacilli
Pasteurella, Bordetella, and Francisella
Vibrio, Campylobacter, and Helicobacter sp.
1.5 weeks
UNIT IX.
Gram-Negative Coccobacilli
Haemophilus species; Gardnerella vaginalis;
Legionella pneumophila
1.0 week
UNIT X.
Gram Positive Bacilli
Corynebacterium species; Listeria monocytogenes
Bacillus species; Nocardia sp.
1.0 week
UNIT XI.
Spirochetes
Borrelia sp.; Treponema pallidum; Leptospira sp.
1.0 week
UNIT XII.
Bioterrorism
0.5 week
 Examination Period
N.
3/08
Proposal Prepared by:
Date Prepared:
Date Last Updated:
2.0 weeks
CLT/MA Faculty
April 2014
March 2008
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