Applied Bacteriology

Modules
3 ECTS Credits
English

About the course

General information

This module introduces the student to the essential principles and techniques used in the veterinary bacteriology laboratory and to the interpretation of laboratory findings in terms of their clinical significance for animal and human health. The module is offered in a blended format: web-based (distance learning) training and 1 week practical bench training at the University of Pretoria.

Learning objectives

Understand the sampling methods for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, types of culture media and growth conditions (incubation systems) applied in the laboratory to ensure optimum recovery of bacteria from specimens.
Understand which bacteria can be isolated from different animal species and organs.
Understand the classification system for bacteria of veterinary significance.
Understand which primary identification tests are used to place bacteria into different categories for further identification.
Identify aerobic, facultatively anaerobic and anaerobic bacteria by using cultural characteristics, microscopic morphology, staining characteristics and biochemical tests.
Understand the characteristic features of mycoplasmas including their identification.
Understand the antimicrobial sensitivity tests that are available and their application and limitations.
Analyse and interpret the laboratory findings with regard to the clinical and zoonotic significance of isolated bacteria.
Understand which bacteria pose a public health risk in the laboratory.
Perform microscopic examination of smears.
Perform procedures for appropriate specimen handling for initial plating and incubation.
Purify bacterial colonies in preparation of further identification.
Apply suitable identification methods for primary isolates of aerobic, facultative anaerobic and anaerobic bacteria typically encountered in a veterinary bacteriology laboratory.