Bacteriology & Antibiotics

Antibiotic Resistance and Microbiology

Medical microbiologists are pathologists who diagnose and treat infectious diseases. They study pathogens: organisms that cause disease, such as viruses, fungi or bacteria. Microbiologists perform tests to find out which antibiotics will be most useful in stopping an infection. Different bacteria are sensitive to different antibiotics, so pathologists ensure the correct antibiotic is prescribed. Microbiologists also play an important role in infection control, preventing infection passing from one patient to another in hospitals and the community. Many of the most common infections are caused by viruses and bacteria. Viral diseases include: common cold, influenza, hepatitis B and HIV/AIDS. Bacterial diseases include: tuberculosis, salmonella (food poisoning), tetanus and chlamydia.