Medical - Microbiology

Introduction

Microbiology, in a medical context, is the study of how bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and prions cause illness. Microbiologists are concerned with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. Sometimes, they also study how microbes can be used to improve health, such as the replacement and introduction of new gut bacteria to improve metabolism. The study of common, non-pathogenic species can help determine whether their properties can be applied to develop new forms of antibiotics.

A medical microbiologist studies the characteristics of pathogens, their modes of transmission, mechanisms of infection and life cycle. Treatment can then be devised.

Medical microbiologists can often be consulted by doctors, providing identification of pathogens and suggesting treatment options. Other tasks may include the identification of potential health risks to the community or monitoring the evolution of potentially virulent or resistant strains of microbes, educating the community and assisting in the design of health practices. They may also assist government in preventing or controlling epidemics and outbreaks of disease.

At the bottom of this profile are brief details of a number of the experts that Expert Experts represents. Call our office to discuss your requirements and to obtain a recommendation that suits your needs and budget.

Expertise in Action

Expert witnesses in the field of microbiology are trained in the study of the complex mechanisms between human and microbe interactions that are involved in the pathogenesis of diseases, and can provide insights into diagnosis and interventions, such as vaccines, essential for disease control. Experts can offer opinions on the severity of symptoms, transmission mechanisms and whether negligence or malpractice took place if people contract diseases whilst in hospital or at work.

Sample Reports

For some fields of expertise we have some sample sections of de-identified reports. Please contact our office if you are interested in a sample.

Cost

The overall cost of expert opinion depends on the services required. Some of the key factors that affect the cost of advice include:

• The need for a view or inspection of a location
• The quantity of documentary material to be reviewed
• Whether there are reports of other experts to be reviewed and commented on in detail
• Whether there is a need for conferences with the expert either in person or by telephone/Skype

Relevant Articles National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System - current CDNA fortnightly report

The Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA) holds regular teleconferences to share and evaluate the latest information and developments in communicable diseases surveillance. This report provides a fortnightly summary on diseases of current interest and notifications of Australia's nationally notifiable diseases.

Australia's capacity to respond to an infectious disease outbreak

Infectious disease control has always been central to public health in Australia, and it was largely concern about infectious disease that led to the establishment of the Commonwealth Department of Health in 1921. The Commonwealth today retains a strong interest in infectious disease, even as its interest and involvement in public health has broadened.

Relevant Cases Christopher Rowley v The State of South Australia (E. & W.S. Department) [1993] SAWCAT 15

A sewerage worker successfully sued his employer for unfair dismissal after he contracted osteomyelitis (infection of the bone), probably due to an organism that had entered his bloodstream.

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