Index >> Microscopy Methods in Microbiology >> Microscopy Methods in Microbiology Introduction

The applied areas of microbiology are very well documented in the literature (1-4). It is estimated that in this century alone, due to the application of investigations in microbiology, the life expectancy has been increased by about fifty per cent.

The most accepted classification system of living organisms is the five kingdom concept proposed by Whittaker (5). Bergey's Manual of Determinative Bacteriology, 8th edition has accepted this concept and used widely as the reference standard (6). Microorganisms are found in three of the five kingdoms, for example, kingdom-Monera (blue green algae and bacteria), kingdom-Protista (microalgae and protozoa) and kingdom ­Fungi (yeasts and molds).

Microscopic examination is usually the first step taken in the identification of an unknown microorganism from the natural specimen. Depending upon the morphological features of the organism in question, it is allocated to one or other major groups. Morphology of the microorganisms can be studied by examining them microscopically either in the living state or as dried, fixed and stained smear of the organisms.