Microbiology and Molecular Diagnosis in Pathology

Microbiology and Molecular Diagnosis in Pathology: A Comprehensive Review for Board Preparation, Certification and Clinical Practice reviews all aspects of microbiology and molecular diagnostics essential to successfully passing the American Board of Pathology exam. This review book will also serve as a first resource for residents who want to become familiar with the diagnostic aspects of microbiology and molecular methods, as well as a refresher course for practicing pathologists. Opening chapters discuss issues of laboratory management, including quality control, biosafety, regulations, and proper handling and reporting of laboratory specimens.

Review chapters give a quick overview of specific clinical infections as well as different types of bacteria, viruses, fungal infections, and infections caused by parasites. Following these, coverage focuses on diagnostic tools and specific tests: media for clinical microbiology, specific stains and tests for microbial identifications, susceptibility testing and use of antimicrobial agents, tests for detecting antibodies, antigens, and microbial infections. Two final chapters offer overviews on molecular diagnostics principles and methods as well as the application of molecular diagnostics in clinical practice.

• Takes a practical and easy-to-read approach to understanding microbiology at an appropriate level for both board preparation as well as a professional refresher course
• Covers all important clinical information found in larger textbooks in a more succinct and easy-to-understand manner
• Covers essential concepts in microbiology in such a way that residents, fellows, and clinicians understand the methods and tests without having to become specialists in the field
• Offers a quick overview of specific clinical infections as well as different types of bacteria, viruses, fungal infections, and infections caused by parasites

Residents and fellows in pathology and clinical chemistry; practicing pathologists and physicians in family and internal medicine

1. Laboratory management and administration
   2. Specimen Collection and Handling in Microbiology Laboratory
   3. Specific clinical infections 
   4. Media for the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory
   5. Biochemical Tests and Staining Techniques for Microbial Identification
   6. Overview of Bacteria
   7. Antibiotics, Antimicrobial Resistance, Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring for Selected Drugs
   8. Viruses including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
   9. Overview of Fungal Infections
   10. Infections caused by Parasites
   11. Antigen and Antibody Testing
   12. Overview of Molecular Diagnostics Principles
   13. Application of Molecular Diagnostics