Dept. of Microbiology comes to aid during the pandemic

With a decline in the number of COVID cases, the cases of Mucormycosis have subsequently been on a rise. The Department of Microbiology of Baroda Medical College and its affiliated laboratory made an important and life-saving contribution by diagnosing the disease through accurate fungi testing.

Samples of suspected mucor patients are sent to this department for examination by the ENT department of Sayaji Hospital. Until Thursday, the department had examined approximately 285 samples, gave an accurate report, and helped in the effective treatment of patients.

Under the guidance of Dean Dr. Tanuja Javadekar, Medical Superintendent of Sayaji Hospital, Dr. Ranjan Aiyer, and under the leadership of an Associate Professor, the department has been operational for the last one and a half years to meet the challenges of the pandemic. During the period, the department and the laboratory tested more than 2 lakh COVID samples. The department tested about 1500 RTPCRs daily and reported the samples within 24 hours or 8 hours in cases of emergency.

Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, Tutor, M.D. Resident physicians studying microbiology, lab technicians, data entry operators, and class four servants work as a team in this department. The team said, “We have been working continuously for the last one and a half years amidst very high load. Based on their lab report, the patient’s disease and the direction of treatment, the effect of the treatment and the decision to change it, is decided.” They are proud to be contributing as much as they can to the lives of thousands of people.

All tests of bacteriology and virology are performed in this section as a routine. Samples related to diseases like dengue, chickenpox, jaundice, typhoid are tested by bacterial culture. Fungus cultures are now being investigated for mucus infestation, and COVID is being virologically tested. Initially, there were two machines, whereas now there are 5 to 6 machines. Safe operation is ensured along with the necessary bio-safety measures following the global standards to protect the staff from infection.

This department provides training to the staff of 12 government and private institutions in Central Gujarat about RTPCR sample testing as per ICMR guidelines. The Department of Micro Biology, along with other departments of the Medical College and Sayaji Hospital, has been making a dedicated contribution to the protection of people’s lives during COVID and mucormycosis.