Microbiology

Microbiology is a truly fascinating subject that explores and studies the world of microorganisms and its correlation to diseases and whatnot. Microbiology also looks into the types of microorganisms that may benefit or ones (known as opportunistic microorganisms) that possess no imminent threat to the body as long as our immunity system stays intact and uncompromised.

In Foundation block, we were introduced to different types of microorganisms such as bacteria, parasites, fungi and viruses. Each class of microorganisms has a plethora of species under their belt but thankfully not all species are harmful to human. Microbes are defined as microscopic organisms that cause diseases and these are the main culprits that are put under the microscope (pun intended) to be studied in Medical Microbiology.

There are many diseases that we learn in relation to bacterial, fungal or viral infections. But most diseases that really intringued me are those diseases that are common in Asia and Malaysia like Dengue, AIDS, Malaria and others. Recently, my father has contracted the Aedes aegypti virus that is carried by the Yellow Fever mosquitoes resulting in dengue fever, a very common disease in Selangor particularly at this time of the year. In the first few days, my father suffers from a

sudden onset of fever, muscle and joint pain and severe headache. A blood test at the hospital confirms that my father has dengue and the appropriate treatments are commenced. Having learned about the particular virus, I was able to explain to my family how this particular virus is transmitted into our body and how it affects our body system and health in general.

Please click here to view the Microbiology Gallery