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For families
Microbiology is the study of "microbes" (organisms that are invisible to the naked eye.) Clinical microbiology/virology deals with the diagnosis of microbes that cause infections in humans. Bacteria and viruses are the most common microbes that cause human infections, but occasionally fungi and parasites may also be culprits.
The outcome of infection depends on many factors, including the age and status of the patient. For example, a newborn baby is more susceptible to "cold viruses" than and adult. Patients with an impaired immune system, from cancer treatment, transplantation treatment or HIV infection are more susceptible to infection. Microbes, which healthy hosts can harbour in a carrier state, can cause disease in the immunocompromised host. Pregnant women are susceptible to specific organisms, such as rubella and cytomegaloviruses, which may cause problems for the unborn child.
The Microbiology Laboratory focuses on diagnosing pediatric and maternal microbial infections.
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