Overview 

The Department of Microbiology was established in the year 1994. It was rated and recognised as one of the best bacteriology labs by ICDDR-B. The department conducts the MBBS, BMLT, M.SC and MD courses. All teaching activities are carried out in the Deep Campus and Diagnostics are done in Phulbari

Facilities

The department comprises of diagnostic as well as teaching laboratory. The well equipped laboratory has Bacteriology, Mycology, Virology, Immunology, and Parasitology diagnostic sections in the main hospital building. Molecular Biology laboratory facilities are being established. 

• Some of the major equipments are
• Binocular microscopes 
• Laminar flow cabinet
• Vertical type autoclave
• Hot air oven 
• Serum inspissator 
• Incubators
• Anaerobic culture facility
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture and drug sensitivity testing facility 
• Centrifuge
• ELISA reader with washer

Services provided by the department:

The following investigations are performed in the diagnostic microbiology laboratory at the hospital:

Immunology
• Antinuclear antibody test
• ASO
• DS DNA
• CRP
• Rheumatoid factor
• Toxo IgM
• TPHA
• VDRL/ RPR
• Widal test
• Mantoux test

Virology
• HBsAg spot test
• HBsAg ELISA
• HCV spot test
• HCV ELISA
• HIV spot test
• HIV ELISA

Bacteriology

• Blood culture
• Bacterial culture and sensitivity of all clinical samples (pus, sputum, urine, stool, body fluids, CSF, throat swab, nasal secretions, vaginal secretions, etc)
• Skin slit smears for Lepra bacilli
• Bacteriological examination of water/ air/ milk
• Mycobacterial culture and drug sensitivity testing

Mycology
• Fungal culture
• Giemsa staining
• KOH mount

Parasitology
• Stool microscopy
• Wet preparation
• ZN staining


Role of the Department in MCOMS and MTH:

The department conducts training in four semesters for the 1st and 2nd year MBBS students. The department has diagnostic and teaching laboratories. The laboratories are equipped with teaching material and equipment required for demonstration and diagnostic tests in microbiology and immunology. The department also offers undergraduate training in BMLT and postgraduate training programmes leading to MSc and MD degrees in Medical Microbiology. The department has a well equipped museum which is used for training.

Objectives:

• Provide quality education
• Reliable diagnostic services
• Quality research

Teaching methods:

Theory: 

• Didactic lectures- with LCD/ OHP/ Blackboard
• Tutorials
• Seminars
• Discussions

 
Practicals: 
 

• Demonstrations
• Hands on approach
• Clinical case studies

 
Goal of Microbiology curriculum for medical graduates:

On completion of the course, students are expected to:
• Develop an understanding of infectious diseases
• Develop knowledge of various pathogens
• Understand pathogenesis of infectious diseases and laboratory diagnosis
• Perform simple laboratory tests
• Interpret various test results
• Develop concepts of infection and its prevention
• Utilise this knowledge in patient and community care

Evaluation of students:

• Fortnightly examinations
• Sessional examinations- once in each semester
• University examinations - once in a year by KU
• Periodic assessment by mentors


Role of the Department at MTH:

At MTH, the department is mainly focused with the diagnostic microbiology laboratory and relevant research.

Laboratory Accreditation:

• ICDDR’B, Dhaka has adjudged the department as the top bacteriological laboratory in Nepal.
• Anti Microbial Resistance (AMR) surveillance- is involved in AMR surveillance of Kaski district, Western region in association with National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL), Kathmandu
• Regional Tuberculosis Center (RTC), Pokhara- a quality control programme for Acid Fast Bacilli in association with RTC is done on a monthly basis
• Participating in Quality Control programme of NPHL
• Adjudged as the best lab for Bacteriology Quality Control by the NPHL

M.Sc Curriculum:

• Develop skills in diagnostic microbiology
• Seminars
• Journal clubs
• Project work- to be published in peer reviewed journals
• Participation in research
• Evaluation-every 6 months

Research activities:

The department of microbiology is actively involved in many research projects that are relevant to local conditions and diseases. Besides faculty, students of MD, MSC, Interns and MBBS students are encouraged to participate in the research activities. The department is actively involved in the control of Hospital Associated Infections and deriving antibiotic policy for MTH. The areas of active research in the department are:
• Detection of evolution of multi drug resistant bacteria especially of the GIT
• Epidemiological surveillance of hospital acquired infections
• Formulating effective antibiotic policies
• Parasitological profile in childhood diarrhea
• Effect of environment on the bacteriological and parasitological diseases
• Pulmonary and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis


Research completed:

• Antibiogram of Staphylococcus aureus (Methicillin resistant and sensitive)
• Characterisation of Candida isolates from sputum
• Bacterial etiology of LRTI in elderly patients
• HBsAg, HIV, HCV carriers among blood donors
• Prevalence of Shigellosis and antibiogram
• Opportunistic protozoal infections

Research in progress:

• Antibiotic susceptibility profile of Salmonella isolates
• Bacteriologic profile of organisms of HAI
• Predominant flora in Intensive Care Unit and its association with HAI
• DOTS and its role in surveillance
• Helminthic infections in school going children
• Characterisation and drug susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis