The Department of Microbiology at Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore possesses faculty and training programs that are one of the best in the field. Started in 1956, it has now progressed into a multidisciplinary department with well-developed undergraduate and post-graduate courses.

The Microbiology Laboratory has carved a name for itself as a centre of excellence for diagnostic microbiology. The state-of-the-art laboratory offers a variety of testing methods in diagnosis of infectious and autoimmune diseases. The laboratory has been approved under ICMR to perform SARS CoV-2 testing. The stress on quality control and assurance can be seen in the reliable, reproducible, valid reports of the NABL accredited laboratory.

The department also focuses on interdepartmental research activities. The department provides high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate coursework and breadth of research programs covering areas of bacteriology, virology, parasitology, mycology, mycobacteriology, immunology and molecular biology.

The department focuses on microbiological diagnosis and surveillance of infectious diseases including community health and preventive activities, such as the rates of sexually transmitted diseases (State reference laboratory), tuberculosis (NTEP), bacteriological analysis of water or investigations of outbreaks of communicable diseases. The department has contributed well to the private and public enterprise through active involvement in national programs.

As an extension of patient care services, the department is actively involved in Infection Control, Ethics and Research as well as Quality and Accreditation.

Key Features

• Best in class NABL accredited laboratory, one of its kind in the region
• Excellent faculty profile, setting an example for students
• Encouraging students to learn more about infectious diseases by using innovative teaching-learning methods, interdepartmental liaison and well-equipped library.
• Curriculum designed to facilitate students in pursuing higher education by encouraging research, publications and attending conferences
• Postgraduate students are given opportunities to interact with the clinicians through compulsory hospital postings and case discussions
• Various seminars and workshops held by the department ensure the opportunity to interact with professionals from other institutes. It also helps to build team spirit.
• Placement offered by national and international laboratories and medical colleges
• Grants to students from external funding agencies for research
  
  

Collaborations

At the University level:

• The faculty are committed to conducting various research activities with clinical and dental departments.

At the National level:

• Collaboration with NACO (National AIDS Control Society) since 2008 and successfully manages the State Reference Laboratory. It conducts induction training, refresher training and EQAS (External Quality Assurance scheme) workshops for the technicians at ICTC, the grassroot levels for HIV testing
• The DOTS Microscopy Centre of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme functions in the department.

At the International level

• Research project titled “Fluorescence in-situ hybridisation for diagnosis of tuberculosis” in collaboration with I Genex USA.
• Collaboration with Mc Gill University