What is the Difference Between Microbiology and Parasitology

The main difference between microbiology and parasitology is that microbiology is the study of all microscopic organisms whereas parasitology is the study of parasites. Furthermore, microbiology is a very diverse branch of science while parasitology is a branch of microbiology.

Microbiology and parasitology are two branches of biology. They are responsible for the study of microscopic organisms. Generally, 20% of known microorganisms are parasitic.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Microbiology
     – Definition, Features, Significance
2. What is Parasitology
     – Definition, Features, Significance
3. What are the Similarities Between Microbiology and Parasitology
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Microbiology and Parasitology
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Disease, Microbiology, Microorganisms, Parasites, Parasitology, Pure Microbiology

What is Microbiology

Microbiology is the study of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, algae, archaea, virus, prions, etc. These microorganisms can be either unicellular, multicellular or acellular. Especially, the main tool used in microbiology to study these organisms is the microscope. In microbiology, scientists study cell biology, biochemical processes, habitat and ecological relationships, and various applications of microorganisms. Here, most microorganisms are beneficial for maintaining the integrity of various ecosystems. They can be used to produce various byproducts including hormones, enzymes, pharmaceutical products, etc. Also, they can be used to convert the chemistry of different compounds. However, some microorganisms can be pathogenic or harmful.

Figure 1: Overview of Microorganisms

Additionally, two main branches of microbiology can be identified as pure microbiology and applied microbiology. Here, pure microbiology includes bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, protozoology, virology, immunology, etc. while applied microbiology includes Nano microbiology, predictive microbiology, biological agents, etc.

What is Parasitology

Parasitology is a branch of pure microbiology, involved in the study of parasites. Generally, a parasite is an organism with a lower organization when compared to the host, and it simultaneously injures and derives sustenance from its host. Parasites spend several developmental stages of their life cycle within the host. Therefore, parasitology is responsible for investigating parasitic microorganisms and their relationship with their host. In detail, parasitology involves the study of the distribution, biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology, ecology, evolution and clinical aspects of parasites, including the host response to these agents.

Figure 2: Malaria Parasites in a Blood Smear

Moreover, the three major groups of parasites studied in parasitology are parasitic protozoa, parasitic helminths (worms), and arthropods, which directly cause disease or act as vectors of various pathogens. Here, protozoa are unicellular parasites while worms and arthropods are multicellular. Significantly, parasitology is responsible for inventing techniques to diagnose parasitic diseases as well as treatments and methods for prevalence.

Similarities Between Microbiology and Parasitology

• Microbiology and parasitology are two branches of biology.
• They mainly involve in the study of microorganisms
• Also, both fields study the lifecycle, spreading, diseases, and prevalence of microorganisms.
• Furthermore, the microorganisms subjected to study in both fields include bacteria, fungi, protozoa, algae, archaea, virus, prions, etc.

Difference Between Microbiology and Parasitology

Definition

Microbiology refers to the branch of science that deals with microorganisms while parasitology refers to the branch of biology or medicine concerned with the study of parasitic organisms. Thus, this is the main difference between microbiology and parasitology.

Type of Microorganisms

While microorganisms in different organizational levels are studied in microbiology, only parasitic microorganisms are studied in parasitology.

Correlation

Another difference between microbiology and parasitology is that microbiology is a branch of biology while parasitology is a branch of pure microbiology.

Importance

The microorganisms studied in microbiology are either beneficial or harmful while the microorganisms studied in parasitology are harmful and can cause diseases in other organisms. Hence, this is also an important difference between microbiology and parasitology.

Type of Study

Moreover, microbiology is responsible for the study of the biochemistry, physiology, cell biology, ecology, evolution, and clinical aspects of microorganisms while parasitology is responsible for the study of the parasites and their relationship with the host.

Conclusion

Microbiology is the study of organisms that are not visible to the naked eye. This means they are microscopic. In microbiology, microorganisms are studied by means of their cell biology, biochemistry, ecology, evolution, and clinical aspects. In comparison, parasitology is the study of parasitic microorganisms. Generally, some microorganisms maintain parasitic relationships with other organisms and can often cause diseases in the host. Therefore, the main difference between microbiology and parasitology is the type of microorganisms studied and the type of studies.

References:

1. “Microbiology: Definitions and Microorganisms.” Caister Academic Press, Available Here.
2. Baron S, editor. Medical Microbiology. 4th edition. Galveston (TX): University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston; 1996. Introduction to Parasitology. Available Here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Gr 8 – Ch 3 – Microorganisms” By Siyavula Education (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
2. “malaria-plasmodium” By Dr. Mae Melvin (CC0) via PIXNIO