Microbiology
Teaching
Undergraduates of the MBBS programme and postgraduate students (FCPS II) are taught basic
microbiology, immunology, common infectious diseases and Hospital Infection Control. Undergraduate and postgraduate teaching is problem-based instructional strategies. In addition, students experience hands-on integrated practical training.
The postgraduate students are also actively involved in cutting-edge research activity that is transpired in the form of articles/theses published in peer-reviewed journals.
We work very closely with the Department for Educational Development to enhance the integration of the curriculum. As a result, teaching methodology and examination questions reflect this aspect.
Research
The Section of Clinical Microbiology has a dynamic research profile. Under high-profile academic leadership, the section is involved in many cutting-edge scientific projects related to mycobacteriology, increasing burden of antimicrobial resistance and emerging viral and bacterial infections. In addition, the clinical laboratory provides its services for research projects to other clinical researchers, as a result many clinical research projects are conducted in the clinical lab throughout the year.
Service
The Section of Microbiology has a state-of-the-art, semi-automated laboratory for diagnostic bacteriology, mycobacteriology, mycology, parasitology, serology and urinalysis. The reporting date for the routine bacteriology-based tests is generally between three to seven days.
Critical samples such as blood cultures and mycobacteriology are performed on highly sensitive automated instruments such as BacTalert and MGIT systems, respectively. Mycobacteriology testing is performed in Biosafety Level-3 Laboratory built according to international standards.
Common samples received include blood and serum for serology, blood culture (for bacteria and fungi), central/peripheral lines, cerebrospinal fluid and other sterile body fluids, specimens from bone, skin and soft tissue infections, genital, ear and throat swabs, urine, stool, etc. for culture.
The Section of Microbiology also provides consultancy for diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases for inpatients and outpatients to bring patient management in line with laboratory findings. Other activities include advice on specimen collection and performing internal and external audits.
The Section also conducts daily rounds of critical care areas (ICU, NICU and high dependency wards and CCU) for advice on infectious issues in patient management and infection control problems to monitor safe practice, investigation and management of outbreaks.
