Diagnostic microbiology is a discipline encompassing the detection of a wide range of infectious agents using a variety of techniques. When feasible and appropriate, an estimation of the most probable response to an antimicrobial agent is also made. Infectious agents cultured or otherwise identified in the WVUH laboratory include:
- prokaryotic bacteria – aerobic, anaerobic, aerobic actinomycete and mycobacterial organisms
- fungi – yeasts, hyaline, dematiaceous and dimorphic molds
- parasites – protozoa, helminths and ectoparasites
- viruses
Methodologies utilized include:
- Direct detection –
- Microscopy – unstained preparations (wet preps +/- KOH) and chemical stains (Gram, acid-fast, calcofluor white, trichrome, acridine orange)
- Immunologic reagents – direct/indirect immunofluorescence stains, membrane immunoassays, ELISAs, EIAs
- Cultivation –
- solid, selective, differential, and broth media
- isolate testing – biochemical, immunologic, genotyping
- susceptibility tests – Kirby Bauer, broth microdilution, epsilometer and automated methods
- Molecular tests –
- DNA probes
- nucleic acid amplification tests – PCR, TMA, LCR, NASBA, etc.
- gene sequencing
The breadth of scientific material and the depth of the technologic approaches in clinical microbiology make this a challenging field. The microbiology rotation at West Virginia University is designed to instruct trainees in microbiologic practice in a tertiary care, academic setting as well as a large community hospital. As they evaluate patient specimens, pathologists in training are instructed in the methods of each of the above disciplines and techniques.
Training Sites/ Institutional Site Directors: WVU/ Peter Perrotta, M.D.
Duration of Rotation: 3 months
Post Graduate Level of Residents Involved in Rotation: PGY levels 1-4
Coordinating Teaching Faculty Member: WVU/Dr. Rocco LaSala
Teaching Faculty Members
West Virginia University
Rocco LaSala, M.D.
John G. Thomas, Ph.D.