Microbiology mnemonics

By | August 1, 2023

 

1. “GEL”: Gram-positive, Enzyme-coagulase-positive, Lancefield group A – Characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus.
2. “PECAN”: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Acinetobacter, Serratia, Proteus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae – Gram-negative rods (Enterobacteriaceae).
3. “SHiN”: Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae – Causes of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
4. “Quelling Capsule”: Pneumococcus encapsulation demonstrated in Quellung reaction.
5. “ABCs”: Aspergillus, Blastomyces, Coccidioides, Cryptococcus, – Fungi causing systemic mycoses.
6. “NEED TO PALE”: Neutrophils, Eosinophils, Dendritic cells, T cells, B cells, Plasma cells, Antibodies, Lymphocytes, Erythrocytes – Cell types involved in the immune response.
7. “SLUDGE”: Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Defecation, Gastric upset, Emesis – Cholinergic toxidrome (organophosphate poisoning).
8. “CAMP”: Christensen phenomenon, Aureus factor, Mycobacterium tuberculosis-PAR strain – Bacterial identification tests.
9. “MOPS”: Mannitol, Oxidase, Polymyxin B, Sulfisoxazole – Media used for specific bacterial identification.
10. “MACConKEE”: MacConkey agar: Citrobacter, Klebsiella, Escherichia coli – Pink colonies.
11. “CHocolate”: CHarcoal-heated, CO2-enriched – Conditions for growing Haemophilus influenzae.
12. “VRSA”: Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus – Antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
13. “MSSA”: Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus – Antibiotic-sensitive bacteria.
14. “ASO”: Anti-Streptolysin O – A test to detect streptococcal infections.
15. “CSF”: Cryptococcal antigen, Stain, India ink, Latex agglutination, Culture – Diagnostic tests for Cryptococcus neoformans.
16. “GRAM-positive”: Get red, alcohol-acid-fast gram-positive rods that do not form spores – Characteristics of Nocardia.
17. “BRAS”: Bacillus, Rod-shaped, Aerobic, Spore-forming – Characteristics of Bacillus species.
18. “LAB”: Legionella, Atypical bacteria, Bordetella pertussis – Causes of atypical pneumonia.
19. “CAMPERS”: Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Arcanobacterium haemolyticum, Mycobacterium spp., Proprionibacterium acnes, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, Rothia dentocariosa, Streptococcus anginosus group – Gram-positive rods.
20. “GABHS”: Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci – Streptococcus pyogenes.

some more

  1. Gram-negative bacteria: Gimme Negative
  2. Gram-positive bacteria: Pretty Pretty Princess
  3. Endospores: EAT-S (Endospores Are Tough Spores)
  4. Bipolar staining: BAD (Bipolar Acid Fastness)
  5. Non-acid fast bacteria: NAVA (Non-Acid Fast Bacteria)
  6. Bacilli: Big
  7. Cocci: Circles
  8. Spirochetes: Spiral
  9. Vibrios: Violin
  10. Archaea: Archers
  11. Viruses: Very Important Stuff
  12. Prions: Proteinaceous Infectious Particles
  13. Fungi: Fun Guys
  14. Protozoa: Protozoans Are Weird
  15. Parasites: Parasites Are Really Annoying
  16. Biofilms: Big Invisible Organized Masses
  17. Antibiotics: A Bunch Of Interesting Things That Kill
  18. Antimicrobials: Antimicrobials Kill Germs
  19. Pathogens: Pathogens Are Really Bad
  20. Immunity: Immunity Is Important