Microbiology as applied to surgical practice

Microbiology is integrated throughout surgical practice, and a working knowledge of its basic principles is essential in caring for surgical patients. In particular, it is important to have an understanding of the basic science behind micro-organisms and infection, as well as a knowledge of surgically important micro-organisms and methods of preventing infection in surgical patients. In this article we cover these topics with reference to the MRCS syllabus and include information about relevant micro-organisms and antibiotics.