Microbiology is the study of all living organisms that are too small to be visible with the naked eye. This includes bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, prions, protozoa and algae, collectively known as ‘microbes’.
Bacteria are microbes with a cell structure simpler than that of many other organisms. Their control centre, containing the genetic information, is contained in a single loop of DNA.
Viruses are the smallest of all the microbes. They are said to be so small that 500 million rhinoviruses (which cause the common cold) could fit on to the head of a pin. They are unique because they are only alive and able to multiply inside the cells of other living things. The cell they multiply in is called the host cell. A virus is made up of a core of genetic material, either DNA or RNA, surrounded by a protective coat called a capsid which is made up of protein. Sometimes the capsid is surrounded by an additional spikey coat called the envelope. Viruses are capable of latching onto host cells and getting inside them.
Fungi can be single celled or very complex multicellular organisms. A number of fungi cause diseases in humans such as athletes’ foot, ringworm and thrush.
The tests are performed under microbiology department are:
Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) Stain for fluid
Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) Stain for sputum
AFB (Acid Fast Bacilli) Culture and Sensitivity with 20 drugs
(Bilirubin-Total, Direct & Indirect, SGPT, SGOT, ALP, GGT, S. Urea, S.
Creatinine, S. Uric Acid, S. Calcium, S. Phosphorous, S. Chloride, S.Potassium, S. Sodium)
Original price: Now: ₹1500
(Bilirubin-Total, Direct & Indirect, SGPT, SGOT, ALP, GGT)
