Microbiology
Definition
Microbiology is the scientific study of microorganisms — organisms and infectious agents typically too small to be seen clearly with the unaided eye — including bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, and parasites (protozoa and helminths in medical contexts).
Medical microbiology focuses on microbes that cause or influence human disease, their diagnosis, treatment, and control.
Key Characteristics
- Depends historically on microscopy (Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, light microscope).
- Organized today by domain hubs: MOC - Bacteriology, MOC - Virology, MOC - Mycology, MOC - Parasitology.
- Causality framework: Germ Theory and Koch’s Postulates.