Microbiology

Microbiology is the branch of science that studies microscopic organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and parasites. These microorganisms can be beneficial—such as those involved in digestion, fermentation, and biotechnology—or harmful, causing infectious diseases in humans, animals, and plants. Microbiology plays a critical role in medicine, agriculture, industry, and environmental science. In the clinical setting, it is especially vital for diagnosing infections, determining the causative agents, and guiding appropriate antimicrobial treatment.

List Of Tests

Culture and Sensitivity (C&S)

Type: Blood Culture, Urine Culture, Sputum Culture, Stool Culture, Wound/Swab Culture

Purpose: Identifies the pathogen causing infection and determines which antibiotics it is sensitive or resistant to.

Gram Stain

Purpose: A rapid method to classify bacteria as Gram-positive or Gram-negative.

Use: Respiratory samples, wound swabs, CSF, etc.

Acid-Fast Bacilli (AFB) Stain & Culture

Purpose: Detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other mycobacteria.

Use: Suspected TB cases; often done on sputum or CSF.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST)

Purpose: Determines which antibiotics will effectively treat a specific infection.

Use: Often done alongside culture tests.

Stool Ova and Parasite Exam

Purpose: Detects parasitic infections such as Giardia, Entamoeba histolytica, etc.

Use: Diarrhea, GI infections.

Rapid Antigen Tests

Purpose: Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT), Streptococcus antigen (throat swab), Dengue NS1 antigen

Use: Quick detection of specific infections.

Serological Tests (Overlap with Immunology)

Purpose: Widal Test (for typhoid), Weil-Felix Test (for rickettsial infections), ELISA for HIV, hepatitis, and other viruses

Use: Detect antibodies or antigens related to infections.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Purpose: Detects the genetic material of microorganisms (high sensitivity).

Use: Tuberculosis, HIV, COVID-19, HPV, and many other pathogens.

Fungal Culture and KOH Mount

Purpose: Identifies fungal infections of skin, nails, sputum, or systemic involvement.

Use: Quick detection of fungal elements in skin/nail scrapings.

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Blood Parasite Exam

Purpose: Detects blood-borne parasites like Plasmodium (malaria), Trypanosoma, etc.

Use: Thick and thin blood smear.

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