GOAL:

Science is the systematic classification of experience-George Henry Lewes (1817-78).

Department of Microbiology of B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad is a multidisciplinary unit consisting of Bacteriology, Virology, Mycology, Serology, Parasitology section etc.  The laboratory facilities include state of the art FACSCalibur for Flow Cytometry System, BACT/ALERT, real time PCR, conventional PCR, Virus cell culture and conventional microbiological tools for diagnostic services and research activities. The Department plays key role in the infection control programme of Civil Hospital Ahmedabad. Teaching is an integral part of the departmental academic activity.  The department imparts the knowledge to the undergraduate students about the infectious diseases in terms of their etiology, pathogenesis, and laboratory diagnosis in order to efficiently treat, prevent and control the disease. Post Graduate courses are conducted for award of M.D. and PhD degree in microbiology.

OBJECTIVES:

  • To develop competencies, pertaining to medical and diagnostic Microbiology that required to be practiced in health care delivery system.
  • Establish and practice “laboratory medicine” for diagnosis of infectious diseases in hospitals and community in the field of bacteriology, virology, parasitology, immunology, serology and mycology.
  • Update with the recent advances in the field of medical microbiology and apply this knowledge in understanding etiopathogenesis and diagnosis of the emerging diseases caused by microorganisms.
  • Carry out basic or applied research in the branches of medicines involving microbiological work including epidemiology.
  • Undertake teaching assignments in the subject of Microbiology for medical and paramedical fraternity.
  • Strengthen the epidemiological surveillance network across the state and country in collaboration with Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Gujarat.
  • Strengthen infection control practices and promote rational use of antimicrobials through antimicrobial stewardship activities
  • To implement various national health programme.

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT’S MESSAGE:

Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.

Man has evolved, so also the microbes. The diseases that were caused by infectious agents were firmly established in the 19th century and that founded the discipline of microbiology. Knowledge on microbiology changed the world and helped human progress in many means. The medical microbiology is a branch of medicine concerned with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. In addition, this field of science include study of various microbes for the improvement of health. The communication between the microbiology laboratory and clinicians remains the most important aspect of patient care. For a medical undergraduate student, sound knowledge of the subject with competency and understanding of the principles and their application in clinical context is very crucial in current CBME curriculum. We try and help students learn important concepts of microbiology in patient care setting.

I wish you all to put your best efforts in learning microbiology and applying it synergistically to provide optimal care to patients.

FACILITIES IN THE DEPARTMENT

Location:

  • For -IPD services- Microbiology Department, 2nd Floor B.J. Medical College, Civil Hospital Campus, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
  • For OPD Services-Room number 118, OPD Building, Civil Hospital Campus, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Timings:

  • For –Inservice Patient Services-IPD - 9:00 A.M. To 5.00 P.M. Monday to Friday and Saturday 9:00 A.M. To 1.00 P.M.
  • Out Patient Department Services-OPD -9:00 A.M. To 5.00 P.M. Monday to Friday and Saturday 9:00 A.M. To 1.00 P.M.

After routine hours, Emergency Services are provided at Emergency Microbiology Laboratory Civil Hospital Campus.

Sections of Microbiology Department:

  • Bacteriology laboratory
  • Virology laboratory
  • Immunology laboratory
  • Parasitology laboratory
  • Tuberculosis laboratory
  • Mycology laboratory
  • OPD Microbiology laboratory
  • Research laboratory
  • HIV Testing laboratory
  • ICTC Center
  • Emergency Microbiology laboratory
  • Sterilization Room
  • Decontamination Room
  • Practical Class
  • Museum
  • Seminar Room
  • Demonstration Room
  • Lecture hall

Microbiology Department- List of Diagnostic Services Offered

NO.

LABORATORY NAME

TESTS DONE

1

Bacteriology laboratory

Culture and sensitivity of various specimens, Gram stain, ZN stain, Albert Stain, Culture for OT and ICU surveillance

2

Virology laboratory

Dengue, Chikungunya & Leptospira antigen/antibody estimation, H1N1, Dengue, COVID-19 Detection By rRTPCR. Viral load of HBV & HCV

3

Immunology laboratory

HBsAg Detection, Anti HBc IgM Antibody, HBe antigen Detection, S.WIDAL, R.P.R, TPHA, ASO, CRP RA Test , HAV, HCV, HEV IgM antibody Detection, TORCH (Toxoplasma, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus & Herpes Simplex virus) & CD4 Cell Count for HIV positive patients.

4

Parasitology laboratory

Stool Examination for Parasites & Stain

5

Mycology laboratory

Fungal Microscopy, Fungal Culture, Cryptococcal antigen detection.

6

OPD Microbiology Laboratory

Peripheral Smear for Detection of Malarial Parasite, HIV antibody Testing, HBsAg Detection, S.WIDAL, R.P.R, TPHA, ASO, CRP & RA Test

7

Research laboratory

Polio Virus Isolation- Cell Culture and ITD, Measles & Rubella IgM antibody estimation & Molecular identification, Environmental surveillance for Polio virus & SARS- CoV-2 virus, Identification of Diphtheria and Pertussis (VPD surveillance project)

8

HIV testing laboratory

HIV antibody testing, State Reference Center for HIV I & HIV–II infection, State Reference Laboratory - For ICTCs & Blood Banks

 

9

Emergency laboratory

HIV, HBsAg and HCV Detection, Peripheral Smear for Detection of Malarial Parasite, Culture and sensitivity of various specimens, Gram stain, ZN stain, Albert Stain, Parasitological Examination, Culture for OT surveillance, Stool for Microscopy- Vibrio Cholerae

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Academics:

Excellent undergraduate, postgraduate and paramedical teaching by audio-visual aids, departmental library, and very good museum with catalogues, models, charts.

  • Teaching

o   MBBS

o   Postgraduates

o   PhD Microbiology

o   MLT

o   Physiotherapy

o   Occupational Therapy

  • Seminar club/ Journal club
  • Research projects

Participation in:

  • Investigation and diagnosis of Epidemics/Outbreaks/emerging infectious diseases
  • Infection Control Programme of hospital
  • Quality Assurance Programme and NABL accreditation activity

·        Internal Quality Control

·        Interlaboratory comparison for Quality Assurance:

o   Ahmedabad Interlaboratory Comparison Group (AILC) – Quality Assurance Forum, Ahmedabad

·        External quality assurance scheme

o   HIV & CD4 testing –National AIDS Research Institute (NARI) Pune

o   Microbiology & serology-Indian Association of Medical Microbiologist (IAMM)- New Delhi

o   AMR-National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) & CMC, Vellore

o   Dengue, chikungunya serology and H1N1, COVID 19-ICMR, NIV, Pune

o   Polio and Measles Molecular/ serology – CDC / WHO

o   Diphtheria and pertussis Culture, Identification ,Toxin detection by Eleks gel precipitation test and PCR- CMC Vellore

Advanced Technologies:

  • Flow Cytometry-CD4 testing
  • Molecular Diagnostics for viral diseases: *
    • H1N1 flu,
    • COVID-19 
    • Dengue Testing and typing

*First in Gujarat to establish the facilities for molecular testing 

State Reference Laboratory for:

  • HIV testing
  • NVBDCP (Dengue and Chikungunya testing)
  • Diagnosis of diseases under Integrated Disease Surveillance Project-IDSP
  • Viral Research & Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL)

National Programmes:

  • National Polio Surveillance Project Under Global Polio Eradication Project-End game strategy
  • Measles and Rubella surveillance Programme
  • National AIDS Control Programme- -ICTC, PPTCT, ART Center, Sentinel Surveillance
  • National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme
    • Dengue
    • Chickungunya
    • Japanese Encephalitis
    • Malaria
    • Filaria

Achievements of Department:

  • National Accreditation for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) -Department of Science and Technology, India – Accreditation for various Microbiology & infectious diseases Serological testing since 2010 and Molecular testing including COVID-19 RT PCR. Total numbers of accredited scope increased to 45 in year 2021.
  • WHO Accreditation-Polio laboratory -One of the seven National laboratories accredited by WHO, Under Global Polio Eradication Project-End game strategy.
  • WHO Accreditation-Measles laboratory -One of the National laboratories accredited by WHO, National Measles and Rubella Surveillance Programs.
  • WHO Approved Diphtheria and Pertussis laboratory
  • First in Gujarat to establish the diagnostic facilities in Microbiology Department for the H1N1 flu testing by rRT PCR
  • First in Gujarat to establish the diagnostic facilities in Microbiology Department for COVID-19 Diagnosis by rRT PCR method serving the whole state of Gujarat during the pandemic.
  • State Reference laboratory for HIV 2 testing
  • Validation center of rapid antigen test for COVID-19: Only one in Gujarat for Validation of rapid antigen test for diagnosis of COVID-19 under ICMR
  • Quality Control lab for COVID -19 RT PCR testing for Gujarat state
  • One of the 35 network laboratory for National Programme containment of Antimicrobial resistance by National Center for Diseases Control Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
  • National antifungal surveillance network: Consented for the participation in National antifungal surveillance network by NCDC Delhi from year 2021-2022
  • Nodal center for the State for the Human Node Antimicrobial Resistance, Superbugs, One Health and State Action Plan for combating AMR

SUBJECT CURRICULUM

Syllabus:

A course of lectures, demonstrations, practical skills in microbiology are taught over period of three semesters (1 year).

          Teaching Learning Methods:

  • Structured interactive sessions
  • Small group discussion
  • Practical including demonstrations
  • Problem based exercises
  • Clinical case studies
  • MCQs

           Learning Resource Materials:

Text books recommended

  • Textbook of Essentials of Medical Microbiology by Apurba S Sashtry, Sandhya Bhat
  • Textbook of Microbiology by Anantnarayan & Panikar
  • Textbook of Microbiology by Chakraborty
  • Textbook of Microbiology by D R Arora
  • Textbook of Microbiology by C P Baveja
  • Textbook of Parasitology by Chatterjee
  • Textbook of Parasitology by D R Arora
  • Textbook of Parasitology by R Bhatia & R L Ichpujani
  • Textbook of Microbiology by Jawetz Reference books

Practical journals

For MBBS

Theory and Practical, SGD, SDL, IT and Tutorials

II/I Term

  • General Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Hospital Infection Control

II/II Term

  • Bloodstream and Cardiovascular System Infection
  • Gastrointestinal (GI) Infections
  • Hepatobilliary System Infections
  • Skin, Soft Tissue & Musculoskeletal System Infections

II/III Term

  • Respiratory Tract Infections
  • Central Nervous System Infections
  • Urogenital Tract Infections
  • Other Infective Syndromes and Infections
  • National Health Programmes for Communicable Diseases

 

Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technicians-DMLT,  Physiotherapy, Microbiology, curriculum

Theory and Practical

  • General Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Systemic Bacteriology
  • Mycology
  • Virology
  • Parasitology
  • Infection Control
  • Hospital Waste Management
  • Recent advances

EXAMINATION PATTERN

Internal Examination Marks scheme:

                                            Theory       Practical

Internal examination                30                 30

Preliminary examination            30                 30

Formative evaluation                 40                 40  

Total                   100              100

External-University examination scheme:

Theory (Paper Distribution):

Paper 1: Sterilization & disinfection; Diagnostic methods in Microbiology laboratory; Hospital infection; Epidemiology & national programme; Emerging infectious disease; Antimicrobial resistance; Culture media & methods; Immunology (basics & applied); General properties of bacteria, virus, parasites & fungus; Introducing morphology, physiology, classification& genetics; Infection & host organism interaction; zoonotic disease; AETCOM (Module 2.4, 2.8)

Paper 2: CVS & blood stream infections & related diseases; Gastrointestinal (GI) and Hepatobilliary System Infections & related diseases; Skin, Soft Tissue & Musculoskeletal System Infections; Central Nervous System Infection; Respiratory tract infections; Genitourinary & Sexually transmitted infections; Opportunistic infections; Oncogenic viruses

Structure Of Question Paper:

Paper 1 & 2:

Section I

Q.1 Structured long question                            Any 1 out of 2                    1x10= 10 marks

Q.2(a) Case based scenario/Applied short notes Any 2out of 3                     2 x 6 = 12 marks

Q.2(b) Write short notes on                              Any 3 out of 4                    3 x 6 = 18 marks

Q.3 Answer only in 2-3 Sentences                     Any 5 out of 6                    5 x 2 = 10 marks

Section II

Q.4 Structured long question                            Any 1 out of 2                    1x10= 10 marks

Q.5(a) Write short notes on                              Any 2 out of 3                    2 x 6 = 12 marks

Q.5(b) Write short notes on                              Any 3 out of 4                    3 x 6 = 18 marks

Q.6 Answer only in 2-3 Sentences                     Any 5 out of 6                    5 x 2 = 10 marks

Total Duration: 3 hours

Marks distribution:

  • Paper 1 100 marks
  • Paper 2 100 marks

Total 200 marks

Practical Marks Distribution:

  • Oral viva (Clinical case-based questions + table viva)                    30 marks
  • Exercise 1: Bacteriology staining (Gram / Zn stain)                       20 marks
  • Exercise 2: Infection control practice                                           15 marks
  • Exercise 3: Parasitology exercise (Stool and Blood Parasite)          20 marks
  • Exercise 4: Interpretational exercise (Clinical case based)             15 marks

Total                                  100 marks

 

TEACHING STAFF INFORMATION

Professor & Head

  • Dr. Sima K. Bhatt

Professors:

  • Dr. K. J. Patel

Associate Professors:

  • Dr. Minesh Vadasmiya
  • Dr. Hetal Shah

Assistant Professors:

  • Dr. Sumeeta Soni
  • Dr. Manisha Patankar
  • Dr. Disha Patel
  • Dr. Prakash Modi
  • Dr. Rajesh Katara
  • Dr. Hasumati Solanki

Tutors:

  • Dr. Deepa Kinariwala
  • Dr. Vyoma Chudasama
  • Dr. Piyush Panchal
  • Dr. Piyush Patel
  • Dr. Dharmishtha Tada

NON-TEACHING STAFF INFORMATION

  • Lab. Technicians- 25
  • Lab. Assistant- 10
  • Counsellors- 02
  • Clerk- 01