Introduction to Microbiology

Microbiology1. What is it?2. Who studies it?3. Why do we study it?4. Where do we study it?5. What knowledge will a student gain

taking this course?

1. Medical Microbiology is the study of microorganisms affecting health and wellness.

2. Examples include--bacteria --parasites--fungi --viruses

3. Most can only be seen with the microscope!

Bacteria

Fungi

ParasitesTrypanosoma brucei

•Causes African Sleeping Sickness

•fever, rash, swelling of the face and hands, headaches, fatigue, aching muscles and joints, itching skin, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss

•Progressive confusion, personality changes, daytime sleepiness with nighttime sleep disturbances, and other neurologic problems occur after the infection has invaded the central nervous system.

•These symptoms become worse as the illness progresses. If left untreated, death will eventually occur after several years of infection.

Viruses

BeVeryParticular,Folks!

BacteriaVirusesParasitesFungi

4. Studies are usually performed on client specimen (from a patient) and are used to identify pathogenic organisms.

5. Medical Laboratory Technicians and Medical Laboratory Technologists perform the studies.

6. Education Level: 2 year AAS or 4 year BS

AAS(Associate of Applied Science)

• These degrees commonly require at least 45 credits in the program area and only 15 credits of general education. A two-year AAS degree is widely recognized as a valuable qualification for employment.

BS(Bachelor’s of Science)

• A four year program which requires around 180 total units, may be used as preparation for graduate work or as a qualifying degree for professional employment.

7. Pathogenic microorganisms cause disease in humans.

8. Microbiologists determine the pathogen causing the disease and identify a substance, usually an antibiotic, to inhibit the microorganism.

9. Microbiologists research microorganisms to discover new antibiotics.

Can you name human diseases caused by…

Bacteria?Viruses?Worms?

Human Diseases caused by microorganisms

Flu SARS

Colds HIV

Strep throat Small Pox

Food poisoning Hepatitis

Ebola Pneumonia

10. Laboratories post signs as constant reminders of safety and infection control.

11.Safety hoods are used to avoid splashing and inhaling possible pathogens.

12.Standard safety precautions are used.

13. Refrigeration is a necessary component of the microbiology laboratory for the accuracy of patient results. Certain chemicals used in the identification and diagnosis of disease must be refrigerated.

14. Blood cultures are incubated and monitored electronically for bacterial and fungus growth.

15. High tech instruments are used to aid in the identification of microorganisms.

16. Teamwork is essential in all types of laboratories, including the school laboratory.

By the end of the course, you will gain knowledge in the following:

1. Normal flora of the human body.2. Microbiological disease states related

to the human body3. Media/Agar used to grow

microorganisms4. Biochemical reactions of

microorganisms5. Identification of microorganisms