Basic Microbiology

Scope of Microbiology: historical approach etc. Classification and nomenclature of microorganisms. Introduction to the microbial world; Introduction to Bacteriology, Mycology, Virology and Parasitology (the protozoans).

Bacteriology: The general properties of bacteria, structure, growth, reproduction, requirements both environmental and nutritional. Aspects of bacterial metabolism, bacterial genetics and variation. Sterilization in Microbiology, bacteria in health and disease: Antibiotics and chemotherapy; infection and immunity; introduction to laboratory techniques and methods including serology.

Virology: General properties, structure and biology of viruses, classification – various methods, reproduction, resistance, pathology, purification of viruses, propagation of viruses, immunity and diagnosis of viral infection, interferon and interference, inclusion bodies, cytopathic effects. Viral-host interactions and identification.

Mycology: Morphology, groups and classification. Types of lesion and types of mycoses, growth requirements. Characteristics and general features of fungi and their diseases. Identification, and demonstration in the laboratory.