Category: Lab Notes: Microbiology
Multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-TB) refers to strains of the bacterium that cause tuberculosis (TB) but are resistant to at least…
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a highly problematic bacterial pathogen that has become a symbol of the global antibiotic resistance…
Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic resistance is the ability of microorganisms—particularly bacteria, but also fungi, viruses, and parasites—to withstand the effects of drugs designed…
Extracellular Polymeric Substance
Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are a diverse mixture of high-molecular-weight compounds secreted by microorganisms into their surrounding environment. They primarily…
Antimicrobial
Antimicrobials are agents that inhibit the growth of or destroy microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. They represent one…
Microbiome
The microbiome refers to the entire community of microorganisms—including bacteria, archaea, fungi, viruses, and protozoa—that live in association with a…
Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2)
Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) is a classification of laboratory facility and practices designed for work involving agents that pose moderate…
Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3)
Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) is a specialized laboratory classification designed for work with indigenous or exotic pathogens that can cause…
Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4)
Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) is the highest level of biological safety containment, reserved for work with the most dangerous and…
Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1)
Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1) is the basic laboratory safety level, suitable for work with agents that pose minimal risk to…
Commensal Microbiota
The commensal microbiota refers to the diverse community of microorganisms that naturally inhabit the surfaces and cavities of multicellular hosts,…
Whole-Genome Sequencing in Bacterial Taxonomy
Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has revolutionized the field of bacterial taxonomy, providing a level of resolution and accuracy that far surpasses…
Limitations of 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing for Bacterial Taxonomy
The 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene has long been a fundamental tool in bacterial taxonomy due to its universal presence,…
16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
16S rRNA gene sequencing is a fundamental molecular technique used for bacterial identification, taxonomic classification, and microbial community analysis. This…
Biosafety Level
Biosafety levels (BSLs) are a series of graduated protective measures and containment protocols designed to ensure the safe handling of…