Microbiology

Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms, either unicellular or multicellular and it involves the study of numerous disciplines including those specific to fungi, parasites, bacteria and virus. In terms of medical microbiology, it deals with the study of microorganism to help physicians identify which of them are capable of causing diseases in humans. It is essential to recognize the organisms that are present in the normal microbial environment within our body such as those in our intestines and skin. These are beneficial microbes that help in preventing other microbial organisms from invading our body but it might be harmful in cases of immune-compromised patients. By understanding the nature of pathogens that capable in causing diseases in humans, it helps the field of medicine to develop serums and vaccines to help counter attack these diseases which have helped eradicate many diseases such as smallpox, polio, rabies and plaque.

FOUNDATION BLOCK

We are initially introduced to different kinds of bacteria such as gram positive and negative bacteria. Besides, several different kinds of microorganisms such as mycobacteria, mycoplasma, spirochetes, arthropods and parasites were also learned. It is essential that the microorganisms be correlated with the diseases that they can cause because it helps better in remembering them. The mechanisms of how the bacterium enters the body’s system are important to specify the site in which these microorganisms are more likely to enter the body. Each bacterium enters the body via different portal of entry thus affecting different sites of the body. We also learned the host-microbe interactions in which some bacteria prove beneficial for the survival of larger, complex organism because they indirectly act as a form of barrier for the entry of other microorganisms into the body. I had many difficulties correlating the type of microorganisms and the diseases that they cause due to the complex naming of each microbe. There were many names of microorganism to be remembered and I had a hard time recalling them. Therefore, instead of trying to memorize the names, I started with obtaining the visualized microscopy pictures of each microorganism to better remember their names and identify them.

Bacteria with flagella

Later, I correlate their structure such as the presence of flagella (tails), cilia on the surface of these bacteria to help me understand how they work in the case of invasion into our body system. This helps me a lot in remembering the type of diseases these bacteria cause. Therefore, I have learned that it is impossible to memorize this subject blindly without correlating the type of bacteria, its function and mechanisms with the diseases that they cause.

Gram-positive bacteria Gram-negative bacteria

In the practical classes, we were taught on how to do gram-staining. Basically, gram-positive bacteria will be stained blue while gram negative will be stained pink. Many differential staining were taught as well to identify various structures within on the bacteria such as the type of cell wall and presence of cilia and flagella.

Streak Plate Method

Besides staining, we were also taught on how to culture bacteria in an agar plate by using the streak plate method. Overall, Microbiology is a different kind of exposure to me because I have never had the opportunity to learn in depth about microorganisms before. Although it took me a long while to find the perfect study method for this subject which is correlating their virulent features with the disease they might cause, it is definitely one of the most interesting subjects I have encountered in this course.

HEMATOLOGY BLOCK

Double Diffusion Test

In hematology block, Microbiology is correlated with Immunology where it involves the study of cells, organs and molecules of adaptive immunity especially plasma cells such as T and B cells of lymphocytes. There are two kinds of immunity namely innate and adaptive immunity involving various different kinds of white blood cells. Mechanisms regarding the actions of each cell in defending the body against foreign substances are studied in depth. Charts and diagrams were very helpful in understanding and remembering the mechanisms of each cell in defending the body against infections. During practical classes, we were taught about the double diffusion test which is used for detection, identification and quantification of antibodies and antigens. Besides, we also carried out the latex coagulation test.