Microbiology

What is microbiology?

Microbiology is the study of microorganisms--specifically, disease-causing microorganisms. Microbiology is responsible for identifying infectious agents in blood, urine, sputum, feces, cerebrospinal fluid, and other body fluids. The infectious agents are then tested for sensitivity to certain antibiotics used to treat infections.

Microbiology uses various techniques to identify microorganisms, including the following:

• Chemical, immunological, and genetic tests

• Examination under a microscope

• Staining

Microorganisms can include the following:

• Bacteria

• Fungi

• Parasites

• Viruses

Common microbiology tests