Medical microbiology is a branch of medicine concerned with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. In addition, this field of science studies various clinical applications of microbes for the improvement of health. There are four kinds of microorganisms that cause infectious disease: bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses and one type of infectious protein called a prion.

A medical microbiologist studies the characteristics of pathogens, their modes of transmission, mechanisms of infection and growth.helping in identification of pathogens and suggesting treatment options. Other tasks may include the identification of potential health risks to the community or monitoring the evolution of potentially virulent or resistant strains of microbes, educating the community and assisting in the design of health practices. They may also assist in preventing or controlling epidemics and outbreaks of disease.

The Mycology Unit provides a definitive identification service on fungi and yeasts isolated from patient samples. Diagnosis of intestinal parasites is confirmed by the recovery of protozoan trophozoites and cysts, helminth eggs and larvae in the clinical parasitology laboratory. Microscopic examination of faeces is essential for the recognition and identification of intestinal parasites.

Serology is the scientific study of serum and other body fluids. In practice, the term usually refers to the diagnostic identification of antibodies in the serum. Such antibodies are typically formed in response to an infection (against a given microorganism), against other foreign proteins (in response, for example, to a mismatched blood transfusion), or to one's own proteins (in instances of autoimmune disease). Serological tests may be performed for diagnostic purposes when an infection is suspected, in rheumatic illnesses, and in many other situations, such as checking an individual's blood type. Serology blood tests help to diagnose patients with certain immune deficiencies associated with the lack of antibodies, such as X-linked agammaglobulinemia. In such cases, tests for antibodies will be consistently negative. There are several serology techniques that can be used depending on the antibodies being studied. These include: ELISA, agglutination, precipitation, complement-fixation, and fluorescent antibodies.

Immunology and serology is an advanced science dealing with how the human immune system organized, function and the different types of serological techniques. It is a very vast subject covering a wide area of technology.

The Prime aim of the Dept.of Microbiology of Jubilee Mission Medical College & Research Institute, Thrissur is to make the Medical students aware of the science of microbes and empower them with the art of diagnosing and treating infectious diseases. In addition to undergraduate teaching the department concentrates on the detection and identification of infectious agents in the laboratory section followed by determination of susceptibility to Antimicrobial agents. More than 18000 serology tests and 17500 Bacterial culture and sensitivity are performed annually. We have separate Bacteriology, Mycobacteriology, Serology and Mycology sections in the laboratory.

Faculty list

Sl.No	Name	Designation	Qualification	Date of Joining
1	Dr. Chithra Valsan	Professor	MBBS, MD	01 June 2006
2	Dr. Ardra M	Associate Professor	MBBS, MD	16 December 2015
3	Dr. Rosmi Jose	Assistant Professor	MBBS, MD	16 January 2014
4	Dr. Linju Mole Joy	Assistant Professor	MBBS, MD	06 April 2019
5	Dr. Jane Mathew	Assistant Professor	MBBS, MD	08 March 2021
6	Dr. Ann Grace	Senior Resident	MBBS, MD	25 April 2023
7	Dr. Lulu Jahan P	Senior Resident	MBBS, MD	26 June 2023
8	Dr. Anuja George	Senior Resident	MBBS, MD	19 September 2023

History of Department

The department started in 2003 with Dr. T V Rao as the Professor and Head of the department. Under his eminent leadership the department became one of the best Microbiology Laboratory.

He was assisted by Dr. K.V.Suseela , and other staff members to bring it into the present status. Dr. Binoy Kurian and Mrs. Jisha Paul and Mrs Jophy joined the department in 2004.The non teaching staff members Sr.Ally,Laboratory technicians.and Mrs.Vijaya Lab assistant are there to support them.

Dr. Sathiavathy (Ret. Prof & HOD Microbiology,Govt. Medical College,Thrissur) and Dr. Chithra Valsan Joined the department in 2006. Dr. Shailaja Joined in 2011 and Dr.Rosmi Jose joined in 2014.

The Microbiology department is on the 4th floor of A & B blocks of college building.

The department is involved in teaching 3rd, 4th and 5th semester MBBS students, Nursing students, and other paramedicals.There are 2 post graduate seats per year.

Vision

To Provide better patient care by prompt diagnosis of infectious diseases, controlling hospital acquired infections by detecting changing trends in the antibiotic susceptibility patterns.

The department aims at moulding aspiring young doctors in graduate and post graduate streams by inculcating good and fair research practices and thereby providing a wholesome doctor who aids and assist the clinicians by accurate diagnostic parameters.

Academic Activities

M.Sc. Medical Microbiology students are doing various project works and training for B.Sc Medical Microbiology and MLT students are given under our guidance. Department play an important role in the Infection control programs under Dr. Chithra Valsan.

Teaching Faculties are actively engaged in the academic and research activities including

• Teaching of
  • M D Microbiology candidates
  • MBBS students ( 3rd , 4th & 5th semester ) 3-4 batches at a time
  • Nursing students
  • Anesthesia, ( Diploma & B.Sc)
  • Optometry and Radiology ( Diploma & B.Sc) and other paramedicals
  • B.Sc & M.Sc Microbiology students from different colleges
  • Lab students
• Guide the project works of M.Sc Microbiology students from different colleges
• Guides of ICMR projects of MBBS students
• Research activities by PG students and faculty



The investigation works

• To help the clinical departments
  • in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious disease and by reporting the antibiotic sensitivity to avoid indiscriminate use of antibiotics
  • By fungal staining and culture to diagnose fungal infections
  • By AFB staining and culture to diagnose Tuberculosis
  • By special staining techniques to diagnose Parasites and fungus
  • By estimating antibody level in patient serum samples help to diagnose Bacterial infections like Typhoid, Rheumatic fever, Syphilis etc and viral infections like Chikungunya, Dengue fever, Infectious mononucleosis.
  • By estimating antinuclear antibody level to diagnose Autoimmune diseases
• Active role in infection control program

Project works done in the Department of Microbiology

• 1. Bacteriological study of burn wound infections-2004
• 2. HIV prevalence among blood donors at a tertiary referral hospital in Kerala -2005
• 3. Screening for Hepatitis B surface antigen in pregnant and the importance of neonatal immunization -2005
• 4. Etiology and resistance pattern of neonatal septicaemia in the tertiary referral hospital in Kerala-2005
• 5. The antibiotic sensitivity pattern of clinical isolates of Escherichia coli with special emphasis on fourth generation cephalosporins
• 6. Bacteriological study and sensitivity pattern in urinary tract infections among women- 2006
• 7. Aerobic Bacterial Isolates from Burn wound Infection and their antibiogram-2007
• 8. A comparative study between smear examination and culture for the diagnosis of pulmonary Tuberculosis
• 9. Estimation of Antibodies to HBV surface antigen in Vaccinated Health care workers –2007
• 10. Screening of blood for Cytomegalovirus antibody in chronic renal failure patients -2007
• 11. Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Pregnancy- 2007
• 12. Isolation of Salmonella in suspected Enteric fever and their Antibiogram- 2007
• 13. Profile of various dermatophytes isolated from a teaching hospital-2007
• 14. Testing the sensitivity pattern of MRSA strains with Linezolid, Rifampicin, Vancomycin and pristinamycin from critical care patients-2007
• 15. Detection of ESBL production among Klebsiella spp.isolated from clinical specimens
• 16. Estimation of Rubella Ig G antibodies among Health care workers- 2007
• 17. Comparative study of Widal test with Blood culture in suspected Enteric fever cases-2007
• 18. Project work on HIV and family education -2007
• 19. MIC determination of Salmonella to Ceftriaxone, and Ciprofloxacin-2008
• 20. Community based d Study on the Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii-.2008
• 21. Modified Widal test in the diagnosis of enteric fever in endemic areas-2008
• 22. Isolation and speciation of Candida from clinical specimens in a tertiary care hospital-2008
• 23. Comparison of Fluorescent Staining with Acid fast staining for the Diagnosis of Tuberculosis
• 24. Comparison of different Laboratory methods for detection of MRSA
• 25. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern in Esch.coli with reference to Quinolones and 3rd generation cephalosporins.2008
• 26. A Breif review on diagnosis of Tuberculosis with the optimal utilization of fluorescent microscopy-2008
• 27. ESBL detection in Gram Negative Bacterial isolates from clinical specimens at a teaching hospital-2008
• 28. Speciation of Candida isolates using TTC agar
• 29. Bacetriological study of Endotracheal aspirate in Mechanically ventilated patients 2009
• 30. Incidence of Infection associated with indwelling medical devices 2009
• 31. Comparative study of Two concentration techniques for the detection of AFB-2009
• 32. Identification and speciation of Enterococci from clinical isolates-2009
• 33. Prevalence of MRSA carriers in Health care workers-2009
• 34. Incidence of postoperative wound infection after caesarian delivery and abdominal hysterectomy in a tertiary care hospital-2009
• 35. Invitro susceptibility of Gram Negative Bacilli to the newer antimicrobial agents in a tertiary care hospital-2010
• 36. Study of seroprevalence of Toxoplasma in a community in Trichur and Palghat district-2010
• 37. Study of seroprevalence of CMV in antenatal cases--2010
• 38. Prevalence and Clinical significance of ANA test in Autoimmune diseases-2010
• 39. Prevalence of Cytomegalovirus antibodies in pregnant women-2010
• 40. A community based study on the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii-2010
• 41. Serological survey for Treponemal and reagin antibodies in a population attending the tertiary care centre-2011
• 42. Seroprevalence of Scrub Typhus in febrile patients in a tertiary care hospital-2011
• 43. Comparison of rapid Urease Test with Biopsy specimens and serum IgG in Helicobacter pylori infections-2011
• 44. A Prospective Study of Clinical and Laboratory Profile on Meningitis in Neonates and Children below twelve years : Dr. George Joseph
• 45. A profile of nosocomial infections in Neuro and Neurosurgical ICUs ( 2013) STS ICMR
• 46. The incidence, risk factors , microbial etiology and antibiogram of ventilator associated pneumonia in a tertiary care hospital ( 2012) STS ICMR
• 47. Isolation,Speciation and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Pseudomonas from various clinical samples -2012
• 48. Scrub Typhus-a re-emerging threat in Kerala-2012
• 49. A ten disc procedure for the detection of antibiotic resistance in Enterobacteriaceae-2012
• 50. Analysis of aetiological agents and their antibitic susceptibilityin indwelling medical devices related infections -2012
• 51. Catheter associated urinary tract infection in tertiary care hospital-2012
• 52. Etiology of Neonatal septicemia in a tertiary care hospital in Kerala-2012
• 53. Bacteriological study and antibiotic sensitivity pattern in urinary tract infection-2012
• 54. Comparison of antigen detection against WIDAL Test and culture of Salmonella in suspected cases of Enteric fever-2012
• 55. The incidence,risk factors,microbial etiology and antibiogram of Ventilator associated pneumonia in a tertiary care hospital-2012
• 56. Prevalence , antibiotic sensitivity profile and molecular detection of Carbapenemases in Enterobacteriaceae – 2012 ICMR funded
• 57. A prospective study of incidence of urinary tract infection in febrile children less than five years of age: 2012
• 58. Role of ADA determination in the diagnosis of Tuberculosis. 2012
• 59. Phenotypic characterisation and antibiogram of Staphylococcal isolates from various clinical samples in a tertiary care hospital – 2013
• 60. Detection and Prevalense of inducible Clindamycin resistance in Staphylococci-2013
• 61. Phenotypic detection of extended spectrum beta lactamases , Amp C beta lactamases, and Carbapenemases in E coli and Klebsiella – 2014
• 62. Study of Infections associated with Indwelling Medical devices in a Tertiary care Hospital. 2014
• 63. Facts and Myths:A study to assess the knowledge , attitude and practice of Hand hygiene in a tertiary health care setup. -2015 ICMR STS
• 64. Isolation and identification of Cryptococcus neoformans from Pigeon excreta in various parts of Trichur district -2015

Ongoing projects in the Department of Microbiology

• 1. Phenotypic characterization & Antibiogram of Staphylococcal Isolates from various clinical samples in a Tertiary care Hospital Dr Sneha Sara Jaiboi. K & Dr. Sathiavathy
• 2. Molecular and epidemiological study of Gram negative Nosocomial pathogens in India
• 3. Phenotypic detection of extended spectrum Beta lactamases, AmpC Beta lactamases and carbapenemases in E.coli and Klebsiella spp. Dr Sapna Joy , Dr Shailaja T.S

Research in various fields of recent Medical interest is also carrying on in the department

Courses

MD Microbiology
2seats per year is allotted from 2011 onwards

At present there are 4 PG students in the department

• Dr.Sneha Sara Jaiboi
• Dr.Sapna Jose
• Dr.Keerthi.S
• Dr. Anoo Philip

List of publications from the department during the last 5 years in indexed and non-indexed journals.

Journal	Nature of Article	Subject	Authors	Article
Journal of Academy of Clinical Microbiologists	A case Report	Acute Brucellosis caused by Brucella melitensis	Dr.Shailaja.T.S. , Dr.T.S.Sushitha , Dr.Sathiavathy. Jubilee Mission Medical College, Thrissur	Year – 2013 Volume 15 Issue2
Indian heart Journal	A case Report	A case of Infective endocarditis caused by Granulicatella adiacens	Dr.Shailaja.T.S.,Dr.Govindhan unni , Dr.Sathiavathy Jubilee Mission Medical College, Thrissur	Year – 2013 Volume Issue
Journal of Academy of Clinical Microbiologists	A case series	Mycobacterium fortuitum infection following inguinal Henia repair-	Dr.K.V.Suseela, Dr.Asok ninan, Dr.Sathiavathy Jubilee Mission Medical College, Thrissur	Year – 2013 Volume 15 Issue 2
Journal of Academy of Clinical Microbiologists	Original Article	Phenotypic detection of beta lactamase in Enterobacteriaceae using a twelve disc procedure	Dr. Chitra Valsan; Dr.Jily P Chinan, Dr.Sathiavathy Jubilee Mission Medical College, Thrissur	Year – 2013 Volume 15 Issue 1
Internet Journal of Infectious disease	Original Article	Prevalence of Rubella in Healthcare workers	Dr. Chitra Valsan , Dr.Sathiavathy , Dr.T.V.Rao Jubilee Mission Medical College, Thrissur	Year – 2009 Volume 7 Issue 2
Internet Journal of Infectious disease	Case Report	Onychomycoses due to fusarium oxysporum	Dr. Chitra Valsan , Dr.Sathiavathy , Dr.T.V.Rao , Dr. Suseela , Dr. Binoy kurian Jubilee Mission Medical College, Thrissur	Year – 2009 Volume 7 Issue 2 P 93
Internet Journal of Infectious disease	Case Report	A case of Snake bite complicated by Morgenella morgani subspp morgani biogroup 1 infection	Dr. Chitra Valsan , Dr.Sathiavathy , Dr.T.V.Rao Jubilee Mission Medical College, Thrissur	Year – 2008 Volume 7 Issue 2
Journal of Academy of clinical MIcrobiologists	Original Article	Evaluation of different methods for the diagnosis of MRSA in a Tertiary care	Dr. Chitra Valsan , Dr.Sathiavathy , Dr.T.V.Rao Jubilee Mission Medical College, Thrissur	Year–2007 Volume 9 Issue– 2 Page
Journal of Academy of clinical MIcrobiologists	Case Report	Salmonella typhimurium septicaemia manifesting as monoarthritis	Dr.K.V.Suseela , Dr. Rathi SanthaKumar , Dr.Sathiavathy , Dr.T.V.Rao Jubilee Mission medical College & Research Institute, Thrissur	Year – 2007 Volume: 9 Issue – 2 Page 89.

STUDENT LABORATORIES

Can accommodate 45 students at a time

MUSEUM

Department have a highly informative museum with sufficient charts, mounted specimens ,models and photos. It is open to students during working hours.

LIBRARY

Department Library has a collection of 108 books.

PATIENT SERVICES

More than 18000 serology tests other than 29000 HIV, 26000 HBs Ag and 7800 HCV screening tests and17500 culture and sensitivity are performed annually. We do bacterial culture and sensitivity on an average of 5400 Blood, 3600 pus,650 CSF, 6000 urine, 1600 Sputum and 300 stool samples annually. Besides that many Mycobacterial &Fungal cultures were also done each year year. We have separate Bacteriology, Mycobacteriology, Serology and Mycology sections in the laboratory. Laboratory possesses Laminar flow cabinets & Fluorescent microscope. The central laboratory in the hospital has the most modern equipments and systems. Screening tests for HIV ,HBs Ag and HCV are done there. Annual turnover is more than 3,50,000 tests. Emergency lab functions 24 hours.

FUTURE PLANS

Molecular methods