Rachel's meningitis Rachel is 17 years old and lucky. One Friday at 2:45 in the morning she arrived in the Accident and Emergency Department with a life threatening infection. After feeling off-colour for just one day, she developed a high fever, headache and dislike of bright lights. Meningitis was suspected. In the microbiology laboratory, examination of her spinal fluid and blood samples confirmed the doctors' suspicions. Intravenous antibiotics were started immediately, and after eleven days of intense nursing and medical care she was well enough to go home. The microbilogist involved remembers thecase well: "In the laboratory we isolated the group C strain of meningococcal disease from both her spinal fluid and blood. We were also able to confirm the correct choice of antibiotic. Since a new vaccine has now been introduced to protect babies, children and teenagers from this type of infection, I hope that Rachel's case will be the last one i see."

The role of pathologists who specialise in microbiology is to examine, diagnose, treat and prevent the spread of infection. This applies equally to infections in the hospital and in the community. So if there's an outbreak of food poisoning, meningitis or a nasty type of flu in your area, you can be sure that it is being investigated by a microbiology laboratory.

Many organisms can cause infections, including bacteria, viruses and fungi. The Microbiologist uses the laboratory to identify invading organisms and test different medicines to find the most effective treatment. Advising on the appropriate use of antibiotics is particularly important at a time when many bacteria are developing resistance to their effects.

By studying how a patient became infected, microbiologists also take action to prevent the spread of infection. So you will often see a microbiologist on ward rounds or in the clinic, helping to stop infections before they can spread to other people.

Find out more about a career in Microbiology