What does a microbiologist do in a hospital?

What does a microbiologist do in a hospital? The answer to this question is what many have been curious to know. Let’s dive in and learn more!

Biology is a branch of science that is all-encompassing. From human beings to living organisms, their characteristics, and the environment. Biology is mainly the scientific study of life.

We could go on about the broadness of Biology and will arrive nowhere because biology on its own is a deep blue sea.

Overview of What does a microbiologist do in a hospital?

Have you ever wondered if there is room for microbiologists in a hospital? or you are among those interested in knowing about opportunities in this career. Worry less, you are fortunate to have come across this article.

There are limitless job opportunities for microbiologists in hospitals and other healthcare organizations and institutions. However, before we go further let’s take a look at some of the things you need to know about microbiology in general.

As a branch of science, biology has its own branches. These branches deal with some specific areas of life.

Microbiology, for example, is the study of microbes, that is, living organisms that are not visible to the naked eye.

The obvious truth is that life exists amongst things that we cannot see. Most of which are pathogens, which are generally considered harmful.

The causative agents of most illnesses are these minute organisms that are not visible to us as humans. But in some other developments, micro-organisms are crucial to some processes on Earth.

They play vital roles in food spoilage, climate change, and nutrient cycling. Even as they are seen as causal agents of diseases, they are also elements required for the control of those diseases.

It takes a microbiologist to thoroughly examine these organisms and determine their impact on other living things; how they can impair or aid the activities of all living things. From all indications, microbiology is on its own, convoluted.

How complex can it get?

The study of microbiology has played a pivotal role in the advancement of medicine, economic and ecological systems. Generally speaking, microbiology is highly beneficial to mankind and we would see how.

  • What is Microbiology?

Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae, protozoa etc.

These organisms are not exactly classified as living things, however, they are made up of cells. Microbiology also has its branches.

So there exist sub-units of microbiology such as bacteriology, immunology, mycology, nematology, parasitology, phycology, protozoology, and virology. These branches are according to the taxonomy of living organisms.

Branches of Microbiology by Taxonomy

Bacteriology: it is the study of bacteria.

Immunology: as the term implies, it is the study of the immune system. It studies the relationship between pathogens and their hosts.

Nematology: it is the study of nematodes – roundworms.

Parasitology: it is pertinent to note that all parasites are not microorganisms, but a lot of them are. However, parasitology is the study of parasites.

Phycology: the study of algae.

Protozoology: it is the study of protozoa and unicellular organisms.

Virology: it is the study of viruses.

The branches of microbiology are not limited to the aforementioned, others that exist include astromicrobiology, evolutionary microbiology, microbial ecology, agricultural microbiology, food microbiology, medical microbiology, medical microbiology, pharmaceutical microbiology and so on.

Microbiology is not a minor discipline as most people think, the discipline holistically examines what goes in with the air we breathe.

What mixes with the food or drink we intend to digest while we open our mouth for a swallow? It’s more intricate than we think. You might want to ask about the benefits and of course you will have that.

  • Why is Microbiology important to humans?

Microorganisms play crucial roles in the ecological system. Their existence is pertinent to the integration processes, which is beneficial for the formation of an ecosystem. Needless to say, the existence of microorganisms is the brainchild behind microbiology.

Since microbes exist symbiotically with other living things, we cannot erode their adverse effects on mankind.

Microbiology is relevant to humans for the following reasons:

o   Disease-causing microorganisms can be identified, isolated, diagnosed, and prevented.

o   Antimicrobial drugs have been manufactured with the knowledge of microbiology, hence, reducing the menacing effect of microbes in human beings.

o   New methods on how to combat diseases have been and are being discovered.

o   Through microbiology antibiotics, vaccines and insulin were discovered. These three help to improve human health.

o   Information about the cause of a disease and how it is being spread is being propagated due to the knowledge of microbiology.

o   The growth of harmful microbes in food is being repressed by an antimicrobial agent called Nisin.

o   Metals are extracted from their ores through a process called bioleaching and biomining.

Microbiology is a multidisciplinary field, thus microbiologists can perform multiple functions and in different areas. Presumably, most microbiologists work in laboratories, industrial companies, research institutes etc.

However, microbiologists can be found working in healthcare facilities and play crucial roles.

The role of a Microbiologist in a hospital

The general role of a microbiologist is to identify microorganisms, track them in various environments, test samples, develop new medicine, vaccines, and other methods which will curtail the spread of diseases. Also, a microbiologist monitors laboratory experiments and procedures.

However, microbiologists may perform additional duties as a result of the work setting. The role of a microbiologist in a hospital are as follows:

  1. Detect pathogenic organisms with the aid of microscopy.
  2. Oversees and monitors laboratory work.
  3. Identify the cause of an illness, in order to determine if it is a result of pathogens.
  4. Provide information about the cause of a disease, how it is spread and how it can be controlled.
  5. Carrying out research aimed at curbing the spread of diseases and infections.
  6. Identifying fungal, viral, and bacterial infections.
  7. Testing the strength and virulence of microorganisms.
  8. Conduct serodiagnosis; the detection of antibodies produced by a patient in response to an infecting organism.
  9. Communicating and working hand to hand with healthcare professionals in respect to a patient’s health.
  10. Carry out research into various infections and diseases and their remedy.

The role of a medical microbiologist is to provide diagnosis and steps for which the spread of infections is to be managed.

You can become a microbiologist by simply;

  • Getting a bachelor’s degree.
  • Completing a master’s degree.
  • Get certified as a microbiologist.
  • Get work experience.
  • Pursue a doctorate programme (this is optional but will be necessary if you intend to carry out independent research or if you are interested in working in a university’s research facility).
  • Find a job.

Final thoughts on What does a microbiologist do in a hospital?

Microbiology seems to be underrated in some parts of the world. You have learned that microbiology is essential, thus it should not be overridden.

As earlier mentioned, there are limitless job opportunities in pursuing this career, also I am confident you can proudly tell the works of microbiologists in a hospital.

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