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Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, which are tiny organisms that cannot be seen with the naked eye. These include bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and algae. While many microorganisms are harmless or even beneficial to humans, others are pathogenic and can cause a range of diseases. At Manipal Hospital Patiala, we have a team of highly experienced microbiologists in Patiala, who offer personalised treatment for microbiology-related diseases.
Microbial diseases remain a major global health concern, causing illness and death worldwide. Their impact can vary greatly depending on the microorganism and the individual's health status. Advances in microbiology, including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and vaccines, have helped reduce the burden of many infectious diseases. However, emerging diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and the complexity of host-pathogen interactions continue to challenge public health efforts. At Manipal Hospital, we have a team of the best microbiologists in Patiala who provide optimum care and personalised treatment for microbiology and infectious diseases.
1. Bacterial Diseases
Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can exist in various environments, both inside and outside of the human body. Some bacteria are harmful and cause diseases, while others play a beneficial role in processes like digestion.
Common Bacterial Diseases:
Tuberculosis (TB): Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, TB primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include persistent cough, weight loss, fever, and night sweats.
Strep Throat: Caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, it is a common infection, especially in children. It leads to sore throat, fever, red rash, and sometimes swollen lymph nodes.
Pneumonia: Often caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs of the lungs, causing cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and fever.
Cholera: Caused by Vibrio cholerae, cholera is typically contracted through contaminated water or food. It causes severe diarrhoea, dehydration and can lead to death if untreated.
2. Viral Diseases
Viruses are tiny infectious agents that require a host cell to replicate. They invade living cells and hijack the host’s machinery to make copies of themselves, often damaging or destroying the host cell in the process.
Common Viral Diseases:
Influenza: Caused by the influenza virus, it leads to fever, chills, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue. It is highly contagious and can lead to pneumonia, especially in vulnerable populations.
HIV/AIDS: Caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), this virus weakens the immune system by targeting and destroying CD4+ T cells. The progression of untreated HIV can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is characterised by severe immune system dysfunction.
Hepatitis: This group of viral infections affects the liver. Types A, B, C, D, and E cause different forms of hepatitis, each with varying symptoms and modes of transmission. Hepatitis B and C can cause chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
COVID-19: Caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, COVID-19 is a respiratory illness with symptoms ranging from mild cold-like symptoms to severe pneumonia and death. It spreads via respiratory droplets and has caused a global pandemic.
Measles: Caused by the measles virus, this highly contagious disease leads to a characteristic red rash, fever, and cough. It can lead to serious complications like pneumonia and encephalitis.
3. Fungal Diseases
Fungi can exist as single-celled yeasts or multicelled moulds. Many fungi are harmless, but some can cause infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
Common Fungal Diseases:
Candidiasis: Caused by Candida species, particularly Candida albicans, this yeast infection can affect the skin, mucous membranes, and internal organs. It often causes oral thrush, vaginal infections, or systemic infections in immunocompromised individuals.
Aspergillosis: Caused by the mould Aspergillus, this disease primarily affects the lungs and sinuses but can disseminate to other parts of the body. It occurs mainly in people with weakened immune systems or lung diseases.
Histoplasmosis: Caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, this fungal infection affects the lungs and is often contracted through inhaling spores from bird or bat droppings.
Ringworm (Tinea): A superficial fungal infection that affects the skin, hair, and nails, causing red, itchy, circular patches. It is highly contagious.
4. Protozoal Diseases
Protozoa are single-celled eukaryotes that can cause diseases, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. These infections are often spread by vectors like mosquitoes or through contaminated water and food.
Common Protozoal Diseases:
Malaria: Caused by Plasmodium species and transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, malaria causes symptoms like fever, chills, and anaemia. It remains a major health concern in many parts of the world.
Amebiasis: Caused by Entamoeba histolytica, this infection affects the intestines, causing dysentery, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. It is spread through contaminated food and water.
5. Helminthic (Worm) Diseases
Helminths are parasitic worms, including nematodes (roundworms), trematodes (flukes), and cestodes (tapeworms), which can infect humans and cause disease.
Common Helminthic Diseases:
Ascariasis: Caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, a type of roundworm, this infection leads to abdominal pain, malnutrition, and respiratory symptoms. It is contracted through the ingestion of eggs from contaminated food or water.
Schistosomiasis: Caused by Schistosoma species, this parasitic infection primarily affects the liver, intestines, and urinary tract. It is contracted through contact with contaminated freshwater.
Hookworm Infection: Caused by Ancylostoma or Necator species, hookworms infect the intestines and cause anaemia, abdominal pain, and fatigue. It is contracted through soil contaminated with larvae.
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No, some are not harmful and are needed by our body to keep us healthy.
Cough and cold, HIV, chicken pox, HPV and Rubella are some common diseases that are treated by our microbiologists in Patiala.
Washing hands and maintaining good hygiene all the time is inevitable. Additionally, it is recommended not to share your items with others, get vaccinated, and wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming them.
Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, which are tiny organisms that cannot be seen with the naked eye. These include bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and algae. While many microorganisms are harmless or even beneficial to humans, others are pathogenic and can cause a range of diseases. At Manipal Hospital Patiala, we have a team of highly experienced microbiologists in Patiala, who offer personalised treatment for microbiology-related diseases.