Bacteriology mnemonic

Catalase-positive organisms in chronic granulomatous disease

The mnemonic

Nocardia, Staph, Serratia, Burkholderia, Aspergillus

What each word stands for

  • NocardiaBranching gram-positive rod
  • StaphStaphylococcus aureus
  • SerratiaRed-pigmented gram-negative rod
  • BurkholderiaBurkholderia cepacia
  • AspergillusMould with acute-angle hyphae

Why it matters clinically

These catalase-producing organisms cause recurrent infection when the NADPH oxidase burst is absent.

Where it stops being reliable

It is a word list, not a true acronym, and other catalase-positive organisms such as Pseudomonas, Listeria and E. coli are also classically listed.

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

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Bacteriology mnemonic?

Nocardia, Staph, Serratia, Burkholderia, Aspergillus. It helps you recall: Catalase-positive organisms in chronic granulomatous disease.

What does "Nocardia" stand for?

Branching gram-positive rod

What does "Staph" stand for?

Staphylococcus aureus

What does "Serratia" stand for?

Red-pigmented gram-negative rod

What are all the parts of the Nocardia, Staph, Serratia, Burkholderia, Aspergillus mnemonic?

Nocardia: Branching gram-positive rod; Staph: Staphylococcus aureus; Serratia: Red-pigmented gram-negative rod; Burkholderia: Burkholderia cepacia; Aspergillus: Mould with acute-angle hyphae.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Bacteriology in Microbiology.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

It is a word list, not a true acronym, and other catalase-positive organisms such as Pseudomonas, Listeria and E. coli are also classically listed.

How is this useful clinically?

These catalase-producing organisms cause recurrent infection when the NADPH oxidase burst is absent.

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.