Microbiologic Procedures

Dermatologic microbiology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the identification and treatment of conditions caused by microorganisms on the skin. These microorganisms include bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Dermatologic microbiologic procedures involve the identification, isolation, and characterization of any microorganisms present on the skin in order to determine the cause of the skin condition. The main methods used in dermatologic microbiology are culture and microscopic examination, serological tests, molecular testing, and susceptibility testing. Culture and microscopic examination involves the collection of patient samples which are then placed on specific media or slides and observed under a microscope to view the organisms present on the clip. Serological tests involve the detection of antibodies or antigens in the patient sample to provide information about the microorganism present. Molecular testing involves the use of PCR to detect specific sequences in DNA or RNA molecules and identify the microorganism present. Lastly, susceptibility testing uses various antibiotics to determine the sensitivity of the microorganism. The objective of performing dermatologic microbiologic procedures is to identify the cause of the infection and/or condition, recommend the appropriate treatment, and prevent spread to other people within the same environment. Collecting samples is also used to monitor the progress of the infection. Knowing the proper procedure is important for the proper diagnosis and treatment of dermal and microbial diseases. By performing the proper procedure it will allow for a more accurate diagnosis and result in a better outcome. This form of testing is an effective way to obtain the necessary information needed to identify and treat the condition.