The Micro Lab

Let’s dive into the different arms of the diagnostic laboratory

This time, it’s the microbiology lab.

This blog intends to take you through the breadth of the microbiology laboratory, every sub-unit in the microbiology laboratory and the instruments you would need before starting up or working in a microbiology laboratory.

What is microbiology?

Let’s define it. The term “microbiology” originates from Ancient Greek, combining “mikros” (small), “bios” (life), and “-logia” (study of), meaning the scientific study of microorganisms, or microbes.

What is a microorganism?

A microorganism, or microbe, is a tiny living organism that you can’t see with the naked eye and must observe using a microscope. Examples include bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and some algae, with viruses sometimes also included.

Microorganisms play a role in our daily lives as humans, but we can’t see them with the naked eye—hence the prefix ‘micro’

There are different classes of microorganisms, and they include bacteria, archaea, fungi, protists (including algae and protozoa), and viruses.

The field of microbiology encompasses a wide range of topics, including:

1. Bacteriology:

   

   Bacteriology, from the name, is the branch of microbiology that studies “bacteria”, encompassing their morphology, ecology, genetics, biochemistry, and other related aspects. Bacteria are probably the closest microorganism we have heard about. The singular form being “bacterium” and the plural, “bacteria”. Bacteria are classified into four main shapes: spherical (cocci), rod-shaped (bacilli), spiral (spirochetes), and comma-shaped (vibrios). Scientists often use these shapes as a basis for classifying bacteria, although they can also group them by other characteristics such as respiration mode, cell wall composition, or nutritional type.

2. Virology:

   Virology is the scientific study of viruses, encompassing their structure, classification, evolution, methods of infection, and the diseases they cause, including the development of vaccines and antiviral treatments. The virology lab, like every other lab in the microbiology section, utilizes a variety of instruments for various purposes, including identification, detection, and study of viruses. Major instruments include microscopes, centrifuges, PCR equipment, serology tools, vortex mixers, weighing balances, and biosafety cabinets.

3. Mycology:

   

   Mycology is the study of fungi, a group that includes the mushrooms and yeasts. Research done in mycology covers the scientific study of fungi, their taxonomy, genetics, biochemical properties, and interactions with humans and the environment.

4. Protozoology:

   Protozoology is the scientific study of protozoa—single-celled, eukaryotic organisms. Some protozoa live freely, while others exist as parasites. Scientists classify them under the kingdom Protista, and they inhabit a wide range of environments, from water bodies and soil to the insides of other organisms. They are known for causing diseases like malaria and amoebic dysentery in humans. Some common types of protozoa include flagellates (like Giardia), amoebas (like Entamoeba), ciliates (like Paramecium) among many others. Some tests done in the protozoology laboratory include microscopic examination of stool samples for cysts and trophozoites and blood smears for parasites like malaria. Molecular techniques such as PCR are also used for more sensitive and specific detection

5. Immunology:

   

   Immunology is the branch of microbiology that focuses on the study of the immune system, a complex network of cells, tissues, and molecules that protects the body from foreign invaders, such as pathogens and other foreign substances. Some tests carried out in immunology labs can include antibody detection, cell identification, and functional assays. These tests are done to assess the immune system’s function and diagnose various conditions like autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiencies, and infections.

Instruments used in the Microbiology Laboratory

Some instruments are common to the use of all arms of the microbiology laboratory and some of them are:

1. Microscope: This is very important in any microbiology laboratory as it is the first point of contact with further research and discoveries. It is used in the observation of microbes.
2. Incubator
3. An autoclave
4. Biosafety cabinets
5. Others include: pH meter, water bath, an oven, weighing balance, vortex mixer, Bunsen burner, etc.

Relevance of the Microbiology Laboratory to the Health System

The microbiology laboratory plays a critical role in ensuring the health system stays afloat. Microbiology labs analyze microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites to help identify the pathogens responsible for diseases, giving healthcare professionals a headway in offering accurate treatments. It is important for:

1. Diagnosis of infectious diseases
2. Centrifuge
3. Prevention and control of diseases
4. Detection of emerging and recurring diseases
5. Enabling precise, personalized diagnostics and targeted treatment for infections, enhancing effectiveness and reducing side effects, particularly in treating specific strains of bacteria or viruses.
6. Aiding global health initiatives by identifying emerging infectious diseases, collaborating with WHO, and supporting travel medicine by detecting tropical diseases and updating public health recommendations.