Microbiology Committee

To define and monitor the state of the art and emerging technologies in clinical microbiology, to contribute to development, maintenance, and enhancement of CAP clinical microbiology proficiency testing and other quality assurance programs; to provide information and expertise in clinical microbiology to the College for furtherance of its programs; and to maintain liaison, where appropriate, with other national and global organizations concerned with clinical microbiology.

This committee reports to the Council on Scientific Affairs. View a list of the Current Committee Members and find additional resources and information in the COVID-19 Topic Center.

Current Susceptibility Breakpoints

• Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute
• FDA-Recognized Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test Interpretive Criteria
• European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing

2023 Breakpoints In Use Toolkit

Effective January 2024, clinical laboratories performing antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) will be required to use breakpoints currently recognized by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) or US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Visit the 2023 Breakpoint Implementation Toolkit (2023 BIT) for more information. 

Highlighted Organism Discussion

Discussion on Staphylococcus schleiferi

Key Points

- Staphylococcus schleiferi is an increasingly encountered zoonotic pathogen that colonizes the skin and mucosal membranes of small animals, including dogs.

- Due to β-hemolysis on blood agar and variable positivity by coagulase tests (eg, slide, tube and latex agglutination methods), misidentification of S. schleiferi as S. aureus or other Staphylococcus species can occur.

- MALDI-TOF MS is a reliable method to identify and differentiate S. schleiferi from other Staphylococcus species. Differentiation of staphylococci to the species level is growing increasingly important due to differences in methods and breakpoints applied to detect mecA-mediated oxacillin resistance among staphylococci, including S. schleiferi.

Access the discussion here.

The following publication is available for purchase through our CAP Press Publications site.

• Mycology Benchtop Reference Guide: An Illustrated Guide for Commonly Encountered Fungi

Rely on these Benchtop Reference Guides in your laboratory

• Arthropod Benchtop Reference Guide (ABRG)
• Gram Stain Benchtop Reference Guide (GSBRG)
• Mycology Benchtop Reference Guide (MBRG)
• Parasitology Benchtop Reference Guide (PBRG)

Activities of Committee

• Support the Surveys Microbiology program by selecting specifications, reviewing participant instructions, reviewing participant data and writing on final critique discussions.
• Prepare continuing education questions and material for several Surveys.
• Provide expertise to employee health physicians in cases of Laboratory Accidents.
• Provide expertise to participants who contact the College for information on current microbiology practice.
• Work with laboratory education to develop and update microbiology checklist questions.

Expertise or Experience

• Those with expertise in current microbiology practice in bacteriology, parasitology, virology, mycology, and/or molecular microbiology diagnostics

Benefits of Committee Membership

• Opportunity to work with leaders in the field of microbiology to improve laboratory practice

Representation on Committee Beyond the CAP

• Two Consultants