Microbiology is the branch of laboratory medicine that focuses on detecting, identifying, and studying microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It plays a crucial role in diagnosing infections and guiding effective treatment.
Microbiologists specialize in identifying infectious agents and determining the right antimicrobial treatment.
Diagnosis: Detecting bacteria, viruses, and fungi through culture, microscopy, and molecular tests.
Antibiotic Sensitivity: Determining which antibiotics work best against specific pathogens.
Infection Control: Supporting hospitals in preventing and managing outbreaks and infections.
Your doctor may recommend microbiology tests if you have symptoms of infection—such as fever, cough, sore throat, diarrhea, wounds, urinary issues, or persistent illness.
Blood Culture: Detects bacteria or fungi in the bloodstream and identifies the cause of sepsis.
Urine Culture: Used to diagnose urinary tract infections (UTIs) and determine antibiotic sensitivity.
Stool Culture: Detects bacteria or parasites causing gastroenteritis and digestive infections.
Sputum Culture: Identifies microorganisms causing respiratory infections like pneumonia or bronchitis.
Throat Swab Culture: Diagnoses infections like streptococcal throat or tonsillitis.
Wound/Pus Culture: Determines the organisms responsible for skin or soft tissue infections.
Fungal Culture: Detects fungal infections affecting skin, nails, blood, or organs.
AFB (Acid-Fast Bacilli) Test: Used to detect tuberculosis-causing bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis).
KOH Mount: A rapid test used to detect fungal elements in skin, nails, or hair samples.
Gram Stain: A microscopic test for quick identification of bacteria and infection severity.
Viral Tests (PCR/Antigen): Used to diagnose viral infections such as influenza, dengue, COVID-19, hepatitis, and more.
Serological Tests: Detect antibodies or antigens for infections like HIV, typhoid, dengue, and malaria.
Parasite Examination (Microscopy): Identifies parasites in stool or blood samples.