Practical Medical Microbiology

Dr. Chandra Prakash Bhatt, PhD

A.K. Books and Educational Enterprises

 This book is dedicated to
MY LATE FATHER DEV DUTT BHATT
Who taught us
Honesty, Hard Work and Politeness
 Copyright © Author 2011

Published on 2011

Published by
A.K. Books and Educational Enterprises
Nepal Campus Complex (1st Floor)
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: 4220684, 4249136, 4219657
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PREFACE
Microbiology is important branch of Medical science. Developing countries
majorities of diseases are communicable. This book provides comprehensive
coverage of the practical aspects of the subject and colour plates enhance
understanding of the text. This book covers the entire Practical Medical
Microbiology such as Bacteriology, Parasitology, Mycology and Virology. This
book covers all aspects of practical such as method of specimen collection,
microscopic examination, culture, biochemical tests, antibiotics susceptibility
test and serological tests used for diagnosis of diseases.
This book has been written in simple language, easily understandable, need
based in developing countries where there is always lacking of trained high
level manpower, well–organized and systematized diagnostic microbiology
laboratory.
This book would be useful for students of Medical sciences and Paramedical
sciences of certificate and graduate levels such as (Certificate Nursing,
Laboratory Technician, Health Assistant, B. Sc Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing (B N),
B. Sc Medical Microbiology, Bachelor in Medical Laboratory Technologist (BMLT),
B. Sc Microbiology, Bachelor in Public Health (BPH), Bachelor in Dental Surgery
(BDS), Bachelor in Medicine and Bachelor in Surgery (MBBS).
Numerous references have been consulted in preparation of this book and
I thank the many investigators whose findings I have drawn upon so heavily. I
apologize for any kind of mistakes or errors in this book.
I am grateful to Professor Dr. A. B. Bhatt, HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar
Garhwal, Uttarakhand India, Chairman, Faculty members and Board of Directors
of Kathmandu Medical College, Sinamangal, Kathmandu and Nobel College,
Sinamangal and My family members for their valuable suggestions, constant
encouragement and support.
I would like to thank the family of A. K. Books and Educational Enterprise,
Health & Environment Research Centre and Mr. Samir Ojha.
I warmly welcome the critical comments and suggestions from professors,
teachers, consultant microbiologist, students and other readers. Their valuable
suggestions will be given due consideration in the next edition.

Dr. Chandra Prakash Bhatt, PhD

Bijaya Dashami (Navaratri)
6 October 2011
CONTENTS
S.N. Topic Page
1. Microscopic examination 1
2. Staining 8
3. Gram staining method 11
4. Ziehl- neelsen staining method 17
5. Albert’s staining method 25
6. Bacterial spore staining method 27
7. India ink preparation/ nigrosin stain 29
8. Potassium hydroxide (KoH) preparation 31
9. Lactophenol cotton blue stain 33
10. Thick and thin blood smear examination 35
11. Microscopic examination of stool 40
12. Safety in microbiology laboratory 50
13. Quality control in microbiology laboratory 53
14. Microbial control 55
15. Culture of bacteria and cultural characteristics 64
16. Culture media 68
17. Aerobic and Anaerobic culture 76
18. Blood culture 79
19. Urine culture 85
20. Cerebrospinal fluid culture 94
21. Sexually transmitted disease 98
22. Respiratory tract infection 102
23. Mycobacterium culture 109
24. Gastrointestinal tract infection 114
25. Pus culture 116
26. Eye infection 119
27. Body fluids culture 121
28. Pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO) 125
29. Water borne disease 127
30. Food borne disease 132
31. Antibiotic sensitivity test 137
32. Biochemical tests 142
33. Serological tests used for diagnosis of microbial diseases 175
34. Antistreptolysin O (ASO) test 178
35. Complement fixation test 180
36. C-reactive protein (CRP) test 182
37. Dick test 184
38. Elek test 185
39. Lepromin test 186
40. Quellung test 187
41. Rheumatoid factor (RF) test 188
42. Schick test 190
43. Serological diagnosis of human immuno deficiency virus 192
44. Serological diagnosis of syphilis 195
45. Tuberculin skin test 200
46. Widal test 203
References 207