Microbiology

Microbiology plays an important role in the diagnosis of various infections by microscopic analysis and culture whereby bacteria and fungi are grown and identified on nutritious substances known as culture media. The antibiotics appropriate for the treatment of an infection by the cultured bacteria are then identified by further culture techniques. This allows for only the antibiotics appropriate to eradicate a particular infection to be prescribed for the patient thereby minimising the risk of anti-microbial resistant bacteria developing. Parasitic infections are also identified by both macroscopic and microscopic examination of specimen from infected body sites. Microscopy, culture and antibiotic susceptibility (MCS) testing are performed on various specimens from various sites including urine, wounds, eyes and genitalia.