Microbiology : It is that branch of science which deals with the micro-organisms. These organisms can not be seen with the naked eyes.
Microbiology includes the study of bacteria, viruses, yeasts moulds, microalgae, protozoa etc.
Germ theory of diseases : This theory tells that all the contagious diseases are caused by micro-organisms.
Branches of Microbiology
Medical Microbiology : Describes the diseases of humans and animals. It aims at identifying the agent causing an infectious disease and plan to treat the diseases.
Public health microbiology : This branch deals with the spread, prevention and control of communicable diseases.
Immunology : It deals with how immune system protects the body from pathogens and the response of infectious agents. It also describes health problems such as nature and treatment of allergies and auto-immune diseases.
Agricultural microbiology : It deals with the impact of microorganisms on agriculture and with the microorganisms that cause plant diseases. It also deals with the beneficial role played in enhancing soil fertility, crop yield and also livestock.
Microbial ecology : It is concerned with the relationship between micro-organisms and their habitats.
Food microbiology : It is concerned with the spoilage of food, food borne diseases and food intoxications. In this we also study production of food materials such as cheese, yoghurt, pickles, mushrooms, single cell protein (SCP) etc.
Industrial microbiology : It is concerned with the production of antibiotics, vaccines, steroids, vitamins, alcohols, amino acids, enzymes, etc.
Microbial biotechnology : It is concerned with the biotechnological applications of microorganisms.
