2. Definition of microbiology
• The science that deals with the study of micro-
organisms and their activities is called
microbiology.
3. Branches of microbiology
• Bacteriology – Study of pathogenic bacteria
• Virology – Study of infectious viruses
• Mycology – Study of fungi
• Protology – Study of protozoa
• Parasitology – Study of parasites
• Helminthology – Study of helminthes (worms)
• Immunology – Study of fungi
• Nematology – Study of nematodes (worms)
• Entomology – Study of insects(vectors)
• Serology – Study of reactions between antigen and antibody
• Microbial taxonomy - Study of classification of microbes
4. • Father of microbiology. - Anton Van
Leeuwenhoek (He discovered bacteria in
1676)
• Father of Bacteriology: - Robert Koch
• Father of anti-septic surgery: - Joseph
Lister
5. Scope of Microbiology
Microbiology can be applied in the following
areas.
1. Health: For promotion of human health, to
increase life expectancy.
2. Immunization: To prevent epidemics and
fatal infections. E.g. – Polio, small pox
3. Child care: To control of infectious disease,
reduces infant mortality.
6. Contd…
4. Promotion of diagnostic Procedures for
prevention of diseases.
5. Improved food preservation and supply of
safe drinking water for all.
6. Effective disposal of sewage and waste.
7. Disposal of bio-medical wastes.
7. Importance of microbiology in nursing
• Microbiology helps the nurse to identify the
disease producing microorganisms.
• Microbiology helps the nurse to know the path
of entry of micro-organisms into the human
body.
• Microbiology helps the nurse to know the path
of exit of micro-organisms from the human
body.
8. Contd…
• Microbiology helps the nurse to understand
how the micro-organisms spread from one
person to another person.
• Nurse will understand the principles of
disinfection.
• Microbiology teaches nurse the effects of drugs
on micro-organisms.
• Nurse knows the method of collection of
specimens for laboratory examination.
• Nurse understands how vaccines are used in
the treatment and prevention of diseases.