Natural and innate immunity

Abstract This section contains knowledge of key microbiological principles, as relevant to the MRCEM Primary Examination and RCEM Basic Sciences curriculum. The section covers topics including natural and innate immunity, pathogenicity, investigation and control of infections, and immunization. It specifically addresses topics in the mechanisms of disease, including attachment, invasion, and persistence; the sources and transmission of infection, with emphasis on both endogenous and exogenous origins; and common microbiological investigations, including specimen types, culture techniques, microscopic examination, serology, and molecular methods and techniques. The examination contains 17 questions relating to microbiology. Further knowledge about specific pathogen groups is presented in Section E.