Bacteriology mnemonic

Encapsulated bacteria that cause serious infection in asplenia

The mnemonic

SHiNE SKiS

What each word stands for

  • SStreptococcus pneumoniae
  • HiHaemophilus influenzae type b
  • NNeisseria meningitidis
  • EEscherichia coli (K1 capsule)
  • SSalmonella
  • KKlebsiella pneumoniae
  • SGroup B Streptococcus

Why it matters clinically

Explains why splenectomised patients need pneumococcal, Hib and meningococcal vaccines.

Where it stops being reliable

Lists organisms only; versions of this mnemonic vary and it does not give vaccine schedules.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Bacteriology mnemonic?

SHiNE SKiS. It helps you recall: Encapsulated bacteria that cause serious infection in asplenia.

What does "S" stand for?

Group B Streptococcus

What does "Hi" stand for?

Haemophilus influenzae type b

What does "N" stand for?

Neisseria meningitidis

What are all the parts of the SHiNE SKiS mnemonic?

S: Streptococcus pneumoniae; Hi: Haemophilus influenzae type b; N: Neisseria meningitidis; E: Escherichia coli (K1 capsule); S: Salmonella; K: Klebsiella pneumoniae; S: Group B Streptococcus.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Bacteriology in Microbiology.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Lists organisms only; versions of this mnemonic vary and it does not give vaccine schedules.

How is this useful clinically?

Explains why splenectomised patients need pneumococcal, Hib and meningococcal vaccines.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Microbiology question about Bacteriology.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.