[Medical microbiology] Introduction

Medical microbiologists study micro-organisms, particularly pathogens.
This is a pathology discipline.
There is significant overlap with infectiology. 

 

Etymology

Ancient Greek μικρός (mikrós) = small
Ancient Greek βίος (bíos) = bio-, life
Ancient Greek λογία (logia) = study

 

Responsibilities

• Giving advice on the best samples to collect to diagnose an infection, such as a swab, blood test or urine test.
• Working with scientists in the laboratory to discover what’s causing the infection.
• Giving advice about how to treat the infection before the cause has been identified, and after.
• Making sure antibiotics are prescribed and used appropriately, by advising on patient management and producing treatment guidelines for a variety of conditions.
• Promoting measures to prevent and control the spread of diseases.

 

Investigations