Syllabus · Current · V5 (2025) · Microbiology
O2 · Antimicrobial Pharmacology
O2.ii · Antimicrobial Resistance
Explain the principles of antimicrobial resistance.
Written examination
SAQ history
Antibacterials — Ciprofloxacin & Resistance
1 exam appearance
Outline the mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance (50% of marks). Briefly outline the pharmacology of ciprofloxacin (50% of marks).
71%
Microbiology & Resistance — Gram & Resistance
2 exam appearances
Classify bacteria according to the Gram stain system and their shape. Give two examples for each classification. (40% of marks) List with examples the mechanisms of bacterial antibiotic resistance. (60% of marks)
63%
Classify bacteria according to the Gram stain system and the shape of the bacteria, and give two examples for each classification (40% of marks). Outline the different mechanisms of bacterial antibiotic resistance and an antibiotic for which that mechanism may apply (60% of marks).
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Microbiology & Resistance — Gram–Drug Resistance
1 exam appearance
(a) Categorise bacteria by their gram stain appearance and shape. Give TWO examples of bacteria for each group (30% of marks). (b) Provide TWO examples of antimicrobials used against each group and outline their mechanism of action (20% of marks). (c) Outline the mechanisms of bacterial resistance with ONE example for each (50% of marks).
49%
Microbiology & Resistance — Resistance Mechanisms
1 exam appearance
Explain the mechanisms by which a bacterium may become resistant to an antimicrobial agent and provide an example (organism and antimicrobial) of each mechanism. (60% of marks) How is antimicrobial resistance spread? (40% of marks)
67%
Antibacterials — Mechanisms & Resistance
1 exam appearance
Classify antibiotics with respect to their mechanism of action (50% of marks). Outline the mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance (50% of marks). Give specific examples of each.
70%
Oral examination
VIVA history
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2026A · VIVA 8
Relevant examiner prompts
This organism is resistant to amoxicillin but is sensitive to meropenem. How is meropenem active over a broader range of bacteria in comparison to amoxicillin?
Describe other mechanisms that bacteria may use to evade antibiotics with common examples?
How can you make an antibiotic more effective if resistance is starting to develop?
How does the addition of clavulanic acid change the spectrum of amoxicillin?
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2009A · VIVA 4
This station will explore your knowledge of bacteria and anti-bacterial agents. How do bacteria differ from the majority of normal human cells (eukaryotes)?
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2008A · VIVA 4
Classification of bacteria. Answers included shape, staining, atmosphere and presence and position of spores. Mechanism of antibiotic action. Answers included inhibition of cell wall synthesis and interruption of mRNA/DNA Mechanisms of antibiotic resistance. Answers included production of beta lactamase, impermeable cell wall and developing alternative metabolic pathways. Syllabus M2a Reference: Medical Microbiology and Infection at a Glance; Gillespie and Bamford, pp. 8- 21.
Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.