Medical Microbiology

• Medical Microbiology


  • Spans various studies from their genetic and biochemical properties to their mechanisms of infection and propagation
• Core Areas of Study in Medical Microbiology


  • Bacteriology
  • Mycology
  • Parasitology
  • Virology
  • Serology
  • Molecular Microbiology
• Bacteriology

  Focuses on bacterial species, their ecology, pathogenic mechanisms, and antibiotic resistance
• Mycology

  Deals with fungal infections, understanding fungal pathogens especially those that cause systemic or opportunistic infections
• Parasitology

  Studies parasites, focusing on those that invade and exploit human hosts, including protozoans and helminths
• Virology

  Involves the study of viruses, viral life cycles, how viruses invade hosts, and the diseases they cause
• Serology

  Pertains to the analysis of blood serum to identify antibodies and antigens related to infection
• Molecular Microbiology

  Employs advanced molecular techniques to diagnose and monitor microbial diseases at a genetic level, including DNA/RNA analysis and PCR technology
• Lab Structure

  • Modern microbiology labs are divided into specific benches for efficient processing of different types of samples, such as blood cultures, tissue samples, swabs, and various bodily fluids
• Sample Processing

  Each bench uses standardized operating procedures to ensure accurate handling, processing, and analysis of specimens
• Microscopy Types


  • Light and Inverted Microscopes
  • Phase Contrast
  • Fluorescence Microscopy
• Gram Staining


  Includes application of a primary stain (Crystal Violet), a mordant (Iodine), a decolorizer, and a counterstain (Safranin)
• Purpose of Gram Staining

  Differentiates bacteria into Gram - positive (purple) and Gram - negative (pink), crucial for subsequent antibiotic therapy decisions
• Culture Media Types

  • Enriched Media
  • Selective and Differential Media
• Culture Techniques


  Pathogens are isolated by culturing samples on various types of media
• Incubation and Interpretation

  Post-incubation, cultures are examined for growth patterns, colony morphology, and hemolytic activities to help identify the microbial species
• Molecular Diagnostics Techniques


  • PCR Techniques
  • Real-Time PCR