What is Bacteriology?

Bacteriology studies the morphology, ecology, genetics and biochemistry of bacteria as well as many other aspects related to them. Involves the identification, classification, and characterization of bacterial species. This discipline evolved from the need of physicians to test and apply the germ theory of disease and from economic concerns relating to the spoilage of foods and wine.

 

The initial advances in pathogenic bacteriology were derived from the identification and characterization of bacteria associated with specific diseases. Nowdays, the etiological agents of most bacterial diseases have been indentified.

 

Major advances in this field over the last centrury resulted in the development of many effective vaccines as well as of others that are less effective or have side effects. Antibiotics are another major advance, these antimicrobial substnaces have not eradicated bacterial diseases, but they are a powerful therapeutic tool. However the emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria have reduce the efficacy of most antibiotics.

 

The bacteriological study has developed a number of specializations, among which are agricultural, or soil, bacteriology; industrial bacteriology; marine bacteriology; public-health bacteriology; sanitary, or hygienic, bacteriology; and systematic bacteriology, which deals with taxonomy.