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PEARLS FOR THE USMLE: INTRODUCTION
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Many questions on the USMLE can be answered by knowing the meaning of the epidemiologic information provided in the case description. In order to do this, the student should know the reservoir of the organism, its mode of transmission, and the meaning of factors such as travel, occupation, and exposure to pets, farm animals, or wild animals. Knowledge of the microbes that typically cause disease in individuals with specific immunodeficiencies will also be helpful.
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In addition to being useful for the USMLE, this information will prove valuable to make the diagnosis of infectious diseases on the wards and in your clinical practice.
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The “Pearls” are presented in tables entitled:
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Table XII–1. Farm Animals and Household Pets as Reservoirs of Medically Important Organisms
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Table XII–2. Wild Animals as Reservoirs of Medically Important Organisms
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Table XII–3. Insects as Vectors of Medically Important Organisms
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Table XII–4. Environmental Sources of Medically Important Organisms
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Table XII–5. Main Geographical Location of Medically Important Organisms
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Table XII–6. Occupations and Avocations That Increase Exposure to Medically Important Organisms
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Table XII–7. Hospital-Related Events That Predispose to Infection by Medically Important Organisms
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Table XII–8. Organisms That Commonly Cause Disease in Patients with Immunodeficiencies or Reduced Host Defenses
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Table XII–9. Important Factors That Predispose to Infections by Specific Organisms
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Table XII–10. Maternal Infections That Pose Significant Risk to the Fetus or Neonate
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Table XII–11. Important Skin Lesions Caused by Microorganisms
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