The Department of Microbiology provides 24 x 7 comprehensive diagnostic, teaching, and research services through its specialized laboratory sections. Each section is equipped with modern infrastructure and follows stringent quality assurance and biosafety protocols to ensure accurate, timely, and reliable results, contributing to optimal patient care and public health. The department conducts laboratory testing for over 17500 culture and sensitivity and 18000 serology tests annually.

The lab plays a crucial role in the following areas :-

The Bacteriology Section is a core component of the department of Microbiology dedicated to the isolation, identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of bacterial pathogens from a wide range of clinical specimens including blood, urine, respiratory samples, pus, body fluids, and swabs. Diagnostic services include direct microscopy, culture techniques, biochemical identification, and automated systems including Vitek 2 compact and Bac T alert . A key function of the section is antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), which guides appropriate antibiotic therapy and supports monitoring of antimicrobial resistance trends. Equipped with modern infrastructure and adhering to strict quality control practices bacteriology section ensures reliable and clinically relevant laboratory services , thereby significantly contributing to improved patient care and public health.

The Mycobacteriology Section focuses on the diagnosis of tuberculosis and infections caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria.

The laboratory processes specimens such as sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage, body fluids, and tissues. Diagnostic modalities include Ziehl–Neelsen, culture, and molecular techniques such as Truenat for rapid detection and drug resistance testing. Also involved in supporting programs like the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme.

The Mycology Section is a specialized unit dedicated to the diagnosis of fungal infections ranging from superficial, opportunistic and deep infections to invasive diseases.

A variety of specimens including skin, hair, nail clippings, respiratory samples, and tissues are processed using KOH preparation, culture on specialized media, and morphological identification techniques . We also advanced and rapid diagnostics using film array based multiplex PCR( Biofire panels) , galactaomannan and beta D glucan testing for invasive fungal diseases. This section plays a vital role in supporting clinicians with accurate identification and timely reporting which is essential for effective patient management , especially in immunocompromised patients . The section is involved in diagnosing infections such as dermatophytosis, candidiasis, aspergillosis, and cryptococcosis.

The Serology and Immunology Section specializes in the diagnosis of infectious diseases through antigen and antibody detection, as well as evaluation of immune responses.

Diagnostic services include ELISA, rapid immunochromatographic tests, ELFA , turbidometry assays. The section also has immunofluorescence assays for ANA and ANA profiling which helps in the detection of autoimmune diseases. We perform tests for biomarkers of infection and inflammation like CRP, Procalcitonin, ceruloplasmin etc
The section is actively involved in diagnosing infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV infection, dengue, and leptospirosis, Scrub Typhus.

The Diagnostic Molecular Biology Section provides rapid and highly sensitive detection of infectious agents using nucleic acid–based techniques.

The laboratory utilizes PCR, real-time PCR, multiplex assays, Film array based Biofire for prompt pathogen detection. It plays a crucial role in diagnosing infections such as tuberculosis, COVID-19, HIV infection, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and dengue, Leptospirosis, Scrub Typhus, Influenza virus . The syndromic approach based Filmarray multiplex PCR Biofire test provide early diagnosis and prompt evidence based management in infections of Respiratory , CNS, Blood , Gastrointestinal tract and joint infections which is lifesaving in many conditions.