Medical Microbiology

The Divisions of Medical Microbiology and Immunology is a partnership with the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) (www.nhls.ac.za). Staff within the division include pathologists, medical scientists, registrars (MMed students), intern scientists, technologists, technicians and support staff. We also have several postdoctoral fellows and postgraduate students (PhD, MSc, BSc Hons). Collectively we are responsible for offering a diagnostic pathology service, as well as teaching, training and research.

The Division offers a wide range of tests, from traditional methods to advanced molecular techniques, supporting effective patient care and infection control. Bacterial identification and susceptibility testing are core services, using culture and automated systems for rapid, accurate results. Susceptibility testing is critical for guiding antibiotic therapy and combating antimicrobial resistance. Beyond bacteria, the laboratory identifies parasites and fungi using microscopy, culture, and infectious serology.

Molecular diagnostics, including PCR and other advanced platforms, provide enhanced sensitivity and specificity for pathogen detection, especially in critical infections like meningitis, endocarditis and sepsis. Molecular tools are also vital for outbreak detection and investigation, enabling rapid identification of causative agents and effective infection prevention and control (IPC) measures

Contact us
+27 21 938 4032
[email protected]

Physical address
Tygerberg Campus
Francie van Zijl Drive

“Our mission is to provide world-class service, research, education and training in medical microbiology and immunology.”

Our programmes

Gain a solid foundation in microbiology and contribute to the future of healthcare.

BSc Medical Laboratory Scientists

Gain practical experience through NHLS training and contribute to accurate disease diagnosis.

Nursing - Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery

Develop a comprehensive understanding of infectious diseases and their impact on patient care.

BScDiet - Bachelor of Science in Dietetics

Explore the fascinating connection between nutrition, microbiology and the immune system.

MBChB - Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery

Master the essentials of microbiology and its role in human health and disease.

Postgraduate programmes

Advance your knowledge and contribute to research in medical microbiology and immunology.

MMed (Microbiol Path) - Master of Medicine in Microbiological Pathology

Become a specialist in the field, with comprehensive training in all aspects of medical microbiology.

MSc (Med Micro) - Master of Science in Medical Microbiology

Conduct in-depth research and contribute to new knowledge in the field.

BScHons (Med Micro) - Bachelor of Science Honours in Medical Microbiology

Deepen your understanding of medical microbiology and embark on your research journey.

PhD - Doctorate of Philosophy

Pursue your passion for research and make groundbreaking discoveries in medical microbiology or immunology.