ABMM study guide
ABMM · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The ABMM (American Board of Medical Microbiology) certification is a professional credential for doctoral-level microbiologists who direct or intend to direct clinical microbiology and public health laboratories. It signals that a candidate can take responsibility for the scientific and administrative operation of a diagnostic microbiology service, not merely perform bench testing. The ABMM study guide has 8 sections and about 1,804 words.
01Bacteriology
Bacteriology questions reward a structured approach: organism → virulence factor → syndrome → identification method . Know the classic Gram-positive cocci (staphylococci: catalase positive, coagulase distinguishes S.
261 words, about 1 min02Virology
Organize viruses by genome (DNA/RNA), strandedness, envelope, and replication strategy . DNA viruses replicate in the nucleus (except poxviruses); RNA viruses replicate in the cytoplasm (except influenza and retroviruses).
250 words, about 1 min03Mycology
Fungi are classified as yeasts, molds, and dimorphic fungi . Dimorphic fungi are molds in the environment and yeasts in tissue (temperature-dependent).
229 words, about 1 min04Parasitology
Divide parasites into protozoa (single-celled: Plasmodium , Giardia , Entamoeba , Toxoplasma , Cryptosporidium , trypanosomes, Leishmania ) and helminths (worms: nematodes, cestodes, trematodes). For each, know the vector or route , the host cycle , and the diagnostic stage seen in stool, blood, or tissue.
239 words, about 1 min05Antimicrobial Agents and Susceptibility Testing
Know mechanism classes : cell wall (beta-lactams, vancomycin), protein synthesis (aminoglycosides, macrolides, tetracyclines, oxazolidinones), nucleic acid (fluoroquinolones, rifampin), folate (sulfonamides, trimethoprim), and membrane (polymyxins, daptomycin). Understand pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics : time-dependent killing (beta-lactams, vancomycin) vs.
198 words, under 1 min06Laboratory Management and Administration
This domain tests regulatory, quality, and operational knowledge. Know CLIA complexity categories (waived, moderate, high), personnel requirements, and the role of the laboratory director.
215 words, about 1 min07Molecular Diagnostics and Emerging Technologies
Understand nucleic acid amplification : PCR (real-time, multiplex), transcription-mediated amplification, and isothermal methods. Know the difference between qualitative (presence/absence) and quantitative (viral load) assays, and the role of sequencing (Sanger, next-generation sequencing) for resistance and outbreak typing.
206 words, about 1 min08Infection Prevention, Epidemiology, and Public Health
Know the chain of infection and standard vs. transmission-based precautions (contact, droplet, airborne).
206 words, about 1 min