DNB Microbiology: Admissions, Medical Colleges, fees, eligibility criteria details here
DNB Microbiology or Diplomate of National Board in Microbiology also known as DNB in Microbiology is a Postgraduate level course for doctors in India that is done by them after completion of their MBBS. The duration of this postgraduate course is 3 years, and it focuses on the study of various concepts related to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of all infectious diseases and the understanding of the pathogenesis of infectious and non-infectious diseases.
The course is a full-time course pursued at various accredited institutes/hospitals across the country. Some of the top accredited institutes/hospitals offering this course are Apollomedics Superspeciality Hospital- Uttar Pradesh, Breach Candy Hospital- Maharashtra, GMERS Medical College and Hospital- Gujarat, and more.
Admission to this course is done through the NEET PG Entrance exam conducted by the National Board of Examinations, followed by counselling based on the scores of the exam that is conducted by DGHS/MCC/State Authorities.
The fee for pursuing DNB (Microbiology) from accredited institutes/hospitals is Rs. 1,25,000 to Rs 2,50,000 per year.
After completion of their respective course, doctors can either join the job market or pursue a super-specialization course where DNB Microbiology is a feeder qualification. Candidates can take reputed jobs at positions as Senior residents, Junior Consultants, Consultants etc. with an approximate salary range of Rs. 5,00,000 to Rs. 20,00,000 per year.
DNB is equivalent to MD/MS/DM/MCh degrees awarded respectively in medical and surgical super specialties. The list of recognized qualifications awarded by the Board in various broad and super specialties as approved by the Government of India are included in the first schedule of the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956.
The Diplomate of National Board in broad-specialty qualifications and super specialty qualifications when granted in a medical institution with the attached hospital or in a hospital with the strength of five hundred or more beds, by the National Board of Examinations, shall be equivalent in all respects to the corresponding postgraduate qualification and the super-specialty qualification granted under the Act, but in all other cases, senior residency in a medical college for an additional period of one year shall be required for such qualification to be equivalent for the purposes of teaching also.
What is DNB in Microbiology?
Diplomate of National Board in Microbiology, also known as DNB (Microbiology) or DNB in Microbiology is a three-year postgraduate programme that candidates can pursue after completing MBBS.
Microbiology is the branch of medical science dealing with the study of the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of all infectious diseases and understanding the pathogenesis of infectious and non-infectious diseases.
The National Board of Examinations (NBE) has released a curriculum for DNB in Microbiology.
The curriculum governs the education and training of DNB in Microbiology.
PG education intends to create specialists who can contribute to high-quality health care and advances in science through research and training.
The required training done by a postgraduate specialist in the field of Microbiology would help the specialist recognize the community's health needs. The student should be competent to handle medical problems effectively and should be aware of the recent advances in their speciality.
The candidate should be a highly competent specialist in Microbiology possessing a broad range of skills that will enable her/him to practice Microbiology independently. The PG candidate should also acquire the basic skills in the teaching medical/para-medical students.
The candidate is also expected to know the principles of research methodology and modes of the consulting library. The candidate should regularly attend conferences, workshops, and CMEs to upgrade her/ his knowledge.
Course Highlights
Here are some of the course highlights of DNB in Microbiology
| Name of Course | DNB in Microbiology |
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Duration of Course | Three years |
| Course Mode | Full Time |
| Minimum Academic Requirement | MBBS degree obtained from any college/university recognized by the Medical Council of India (now NMC) |
| Admission Process / Entrance Process / Entrance Modalities | Entrance Exam (NEET PG) |
| Course Fees | Rs. 1,25,000 to Rs 2,50,000 per year |
| Average Salary | Rs. 5,00,000 to Rs. 20,00,000 per year |
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for DNB in Microbiology are defined as the set of rules or minimum prerequisites that aspirants must meet in order to be eligible for admission, which includes:
- Candidates must be in possession of an undergraduate MBBS degree from any college/university recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI) now NMC.
- Candidates should have done a compulsory rotating internship of one year in a teaching institution or other institution which is recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI) now NMC.
- The candidate must have obtained permanent registration of any State Medical Council to be eligible for admission.
- The medical college's recognition cut-off dates for the MBBS Degree courses and compulsory rotatory Internship shall be as prescribed by the Medical Council of India (now NMC).
- Candidates who have passed the final examination, leading to the award of a Post Graduate Degree (MD/MS) from an Indian University, which is duly recognized as per provisions of the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019 and the first schedule of the IMC Act can apply for the DNB Final examination in the same broad specialty.
Admission Process
The admission process contains a few steps to be followed in order by the candidates for admission to DNB in Microbiology. Candidates can view the complete admission process for DNB in Microbiology mentioned below:
- The NEET PG or National Eligibility Entrance Test for Post Graduate is a national-level master's level examination conducted by the NBE for admission to MD/MS/PG Diploma Courses.
- The requirement of eligibility criteria for participation in counselling towards PG seat allotment conducted by the concerned counselling authority shall be in lieu of the Post Graduate Medical Education Regulations (as per the latest amendment) notified by the MCI (now NMC) with prior approval of MoHFW.
| S.No. | Category | Eligibility Criteria |
| 1. | General | 50th Percentile |
| 2. | SC/ST/OBC (Including PWD of SC/ST/OBC) | 40th Percentile |
| 3. | UR PWD | 45th Percentile |
Fees Structure
The fee structure for DNB in Microbiology varies from accredited institute/hospital to hospital. The fee is generally less for Government Institutes and more for private institutes. The average fee structure for DNB in Microbiology is Rs. 1,25,000 to Rs 2,50,000 per year.
Colleges offering DNB in Microbiology
Various accredited institutes/hospitals across India offer courses for pursuing DNB (Microbiology).
As per the National Board of Examinations website, the following accredited institutes/hospitals are offering DNB (Microbiology) courses for the academic year 2022-23.
| Hospital/Institute | Specialty | No. of Accredited Seat(s) (Broad/Super/Fellowship) |
| Apollomedics Superspeciality Hospital Sector B, Bargawan, LDA Colony , Lucknow Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh-226012 | Microbiology | 2 |
| Breach Candy Hospital 60-A, Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai Maharashtra-400026 | Microbiology | 1 |
| GMERS Medical College and Hospital Nanakwada, Valsad Gujarat-396001 | Microbiology | 1 |
| Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences 1-8-31/1, Minister Road, Secunderabad Telangana-500003 | Microbiology | 2 |
| Medanta The Medicity Sector-38, Gurgaon Haryana-122001 | Microbiology | 2 |
| National Institute of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases (Formerly Known as L.R.S. Instt. of T.B. and Allied Scs), Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi Delhi-110030 | Microbiology | 2 |
| Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital Tahirpur, Delhi-110093 | Microbiology | 2 |
| Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi Delhi-110060 | Microbiology | 4 |
Syllabus
A DNB in Microbiology is a three years specialization course that provides training in the stream of Microbiology.
The course content for DNB in Microbiology is given in the NBE Curriculum released by the National Board of Examinations, which can be assessed through the link mentioned below:
DNB Microbiology in India: Check Out NBE Released Curriculum
1. Theory
MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
• General
o History of microbiology Microscopy
o Bio-safety including universal precautions
o Physical and biological containment
o Sterilization and disinfection
o Morphology of bacteria and other microorganisms
o Nomenclature and classification of microorganisms
o Microbiomes & Normal flora of human body
o Growth & nutrition of bacteria Bacterial metabolism
o Host-parasite relationship and virulence factors
o Antibacterial substances and drug resistance
o Bacterial genetics & bacteriophages
o Molecular genetics relevant for medical microbiology
• Immunology
o Immunology Components of the immune system
o Innate and acquired immunity
o Cells involved in immune response
o Antigens
o Immunoglobulins
o Mucosal immunity
o Complement Antigen & antibody reactions
o Hypersensitivity Humoral & Cell mediated immunity
o Cytokines
o Immunodeficiency
o Auto-immunity
o Immune tolerance
o MHC complex
o Transplantation immunity
o Tumor immunity
o Vaccines and immunotherapy
o Measurement of immunological parameters
o Immunological techniques
o Immunopotentiation & immunomodulation
• Systematic bacteriology
o Staphylococcus, Micrococcus
o Streptococcus & Enterococcus
o Neisseria, Branhamella, Moraxella etc.
o Coryneform organisms
o Enterobacteriaceae
o Vibrios, Aeromonas, Plesiomonas
o Haemophilus
o Bordetella
o Brucella
o Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter & other non-fermenters
o Spirochaetes
o Chlamydiae
o Mycoplasma
o Rickettsiae
o Helicobacter, Campylobacter & Spirillium
o Actinomyces, Nocardia, Actinobacillus and other actinomycetales,
o Miscellaneous Bacteria like Gardnerella, Pasturela, Francisella, Erysipelothrix, Listeria, Coxiella, Bartonella, etc.
o Gram positive bacilli of medical importance including Lactobacillus, Bacillus
• Mycobacteriology
o History
o Classification
o Identification
Conventional
Molecular
o Culture techniques
o Anti-mycobacterial susceptibility testing
o Mycobacterial Immunology & mycobacterial antigens
o Latent Tuberculosis-Diagnosis & Interpretation
o Histopathology in Tuberculosis
o NTM
o M. leprae
o Molecular applications in mycobacteriology
o Recent advances in Mycobacteriology
• Anaerobic bacteriology
o Anaerobic Methods
o Anaerobic cocci & Bacilli including Clostridia, Bacteroides, Fusobacterium,etc.
• Medical Virolology
o General properties of viruses
Classification of viruses
Morphology: Virus structure, Virus replication, Isolation & identification of viruses
Pathogenesis of viral infections
o Bacteriophage
o DNA viruses
Poxviridae
Herpesviridae
Adenoviridiae
Papova
Parvo viruses
Other DNA viruses
o RNA viruses
Picorna virus
Enteroviruses
Arboviruses
Orthomyxoviruses Paramyxoviruses Reoviridiae
Rhabdoviridae
Retroviridae
Filoviruses
Coronaviridae
Calciviruses
Other RNA viruses
o Hepatitis Viruses
o Miscellanous Viruses
o Oncogenic Viruses
o Slow viruses including prions, Viriods
o Vaccines & anti-viral drugs
• Medical Parasitology
o General characters & classification of parasites
o Methods of identification of parasites
o Protozoan parasites
Entamoeba,
Free living amoebae, Giardia
Trichomonas,
Balantidium
Leishmania,
Trypanosoma,
Plasmodium, Babesia Toxoplasma,
Sarcocystis,
Cryptosporidium, Microsporidium, Cyclospora. Isospora,
o Helminthology
Intestinal Nematodes (Trichiuris, Trichinella, Strongyloides, Ancylostoma, Necator, Ascaris, Toxocara, Enterobius,
Tissue Nematodes (Filarial worms, Dracunculus etc.)
Cestodes (Diphyllobothrium,Taenia, Echinococcus, Hymenolepis, Dipyllidium, Multiceps etc.),
Trematodes (Schistosomes, Fasciola, Fasciolopsis, Gastrodiscoides, Paragonimus, Clonorchis, Opisthorchis etc.)
• Medical Entomology:
o Common arthropods & other vectors viz. mosquito, sandfly, ticks, mite, cyclops, louse, myasis.
o Vector control agents
• Medical Mycology
o General characteristics & classification of fungi
o Morphology & reproduction of fungi Isolation & identification of fungi
o Pathogenesis
o Tissue reactions to fungi
o Yeasts and yeast like fungi
Candida.
Cryptococcus,
Malassezia, Piedra,
Trichosporon, Geotrichum, Saccharomyces etc.
o Mycelial fungi
Dermatophytes
Aspergillus,
Hyalohyphomycetes Zygomycetes,
Dematiaceous hyphomycetes
o Opportunistic Fungi & Common laboratory contaminants
o Dimorphic fungi including Histoplasma, Blastomyces, Coccidioides, Paracoccidioides, Sporothrix, ,Penicillium marneffei etc. o Fungi causing subcutaneous mycosis & mycetoma
o Pneumocystis carinii infection
o Mycetismus & mycotoxicosis
• Antifungal agents & in vitro antifungal susceptibility tests.
• Applied Medical Microbiology
o Epidemiology of infectious diseases
o Approaches to diagnosis and management of infectious disease syndromes
Fevers & Pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO)
Respiratory tract infections
Urinary tract infection Sepsis
Intra-abdominal infections
Cardio-vascular infections
Central Nervous Infections
Skin & soft tissue infections
Gastrointestinal infections & Food poisoning Bone & Joint infections
STIs & RTIs
Eye infections Hepatitis
AIDS
o Traveler's Diseases
o Emerging and re-emerging infections.
o Biological warfare (Bioterrorism)
o Probiotics
o Microbiology of air, milk and water
o Microbiology of hospital environment
o Hospital acquired infections
o Hospital infection control and management
o Antimicrobial susceptibility testing & therapy
o Rational use of antibiotics and its stewardship
o Biomedical waste management
o Safety and risk management
o Environment management and Engineering controls
o Investigation of an infectious outbreak and epidemiological typing
o Recent advances in diagnostic techniques in infectious diseases
o Infection control in special situations- Blood transfusion, solid organ transplantation and implants.
o Molecular genetics as applicable to Microbiology
o Quality Assurance and Accreditation of laboratories
o Vaccinology: principle, methods of preparation, administration of vaccines and testing
o Information technology (Computers) in microbiology, Bioinformatics, research methodologies
o Automation in Clinical Microbiology
o Statistical analysis of microbiological data and research methodology and ethics
o Care & handling of animals preferably by simulation and ethical considerations
o National infectious disease control, eradication programmes
o Recent Advances in Medical Microbiology
2. Practical
• Bacteriology
o Aseptic practices in laboratory and safety precautions
o Preparation of stains viz. Gram, Albert's, capsules, spores, Ziehl Neelsen (ZN), Silver impregnation stain etc.
o Preparation of media like Nutrient agar, Blood Agar, Mac-conkey agar, Sugars, Serum sugars, Kligler iron agar, Robertson's cooked meat broth, Lowenstein Jensens medium, Sabouraud's dextrose agar etc.
o Preparation of reagents -oxidase, Kovac etc.
o Quality control of media, reagents etc.
o Preparation of antibiotic discs
o Operation of autoclave, hot air oven, distillation plant, filters like Sietz and membrane filters Care and operation of microscopes
o Washing and sterilisation of glassware (plugging and packing)
o Care and maintenance of common laboratory equipments like water bath, centrifuge, refrigerators, incubators etc.
o Sterility tests Identification of bacteria of medical importance upto species level (except anaerobes which could be upto generic level).
o Appropriate and aseptic sample collection techniques specially blood culture
o Collection/transport of representative specimens for microbiological investigations
o Preparation, examination & interpretation of direct smears from clinical specimens after clinical correlation
o Plating of clinical specimens on media for isolation, purification, identification and interpretation after clinical correlation.
o Techniques of incubation for aerobic, microaerophilic and anaerobic organisms
o Tests for Motility: hanging drop, Cragie's tube, dark ground microscopy for spirochaetes
o Special tests-Bile solubility, sheep cell haemolysis, CAMP test, satellitism, catalase, oxidase and serotyping, etc.
o In-vitro toxigenicity tests- Elek's test, Negler's reaction
o Performance of antimicrobial susceptibility testing, eg. Kirby-Bauer, Stoke's method
o Estimation of Minimal Inhibitory/Bactericidal concentrations by tube/ plate dilution methods
o Tests for Beta-lactamase production
o Antimicrobial susceptibility tests for Mycobacteria
o Special staining techniques for Mycoplasma, Treponemes, Gardenerella.
o Knowledge of Inoculation of lab animals by different routes, Bleeding techniques of animals including mice, guinea pig, rabbit and sheep Animal pathogenicity/toxigenicity tests for C.diphtheriae, C.tetani, S.pneumoniae, S.typhimurium, K.pneumoniae etc.
o Care and breeding of laboratory animals viz. mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits etc.
o Testing of disinfectants
o Disposal of contaminanted materials like cultures & infectious waste
o Bacteriological tests for water, air and milk
o Maintenance & preservation of bacterial cultures
• Mycobacteriology
o Lab Diagnosis & Interpretations
o Sample collection, skin slit smears
o Microscopy
Z-N Staining
Direct Fluorescence Staining
o Culture techniques & Automations
o Anti-mycobacterial susceptibility testing
o Histopathology techniques in Tuberculosis & Leprosy
o Molecular applications in mycobacteriology
o Latent Tuberculosis- Diagnosis & Interpretations
o Mantoux testing & Gamma Interferon Assay Skills which are desirable to acquire
o Isolation of plasmids and Conjugation experiments for transfer of drug resistance.
o Serum antibiotic assays eg. Gentamicin.
o Phage typing for staphylococci, S.typhi etc.
o Bacteriocine typing eg. Pyocine, Proteocin etc
o Disinfectant testing
o Microbial Immunology
o Separation of serum and preservation of serum for short and long periods
o Performance of serological tests viz. Widal, Brucella tube agglutination, indirect hemagglutination,VDRL/RPR, ASO, Rose Waaler test, IFA and others
o Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay
o Latex agglutination tests
o Radial immunodiffusion for estimation of serum Immunoglobulins
o Immunoelectrophoresis
o Crossed immunoelectrophoresis
o Immunoblotting
o Radial immunodiffusion.
Skills which are desirable to acquire
o Leucocyte migration inhibition test.
o T-cell rosetting.
o Flow Cytometry
o Immunoelectrophoresis.
o Immunodiffusion in gels, counter immunoelectrophoresis visualization and interpretation of bands.
• Mycology
o Collection and transport of specimens
o Processing of samples for microscopy and culture
o Direct examination of specimens by KOH, Gram's, Acid fast, Giemsa, Lactophenol cotton blue, direct fluorescence staining (Calcofluor staining), indirect fluorescence staining (Pneumocystis jirovecii) & special fungal stains
o Examination of histopathology slides for fungal infections
o Isolation and identification of medically important fungi & common laboratory contaminants
o Special techniques like Wood's lamp examination, hair baiting, hair perforation, paraffin baiting and slide culture
o Anti-fungal susceptibility testing (MICs)
o Maintenance of stock cultures
o Antigen and Antibody detection in candidiasis, aspergillosis, histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, Cryptococcosis, zygomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, cryptococcosis, aspergillosis, candidiasis, etc.
• Parasitology
o Collection and transport of specimens for diagnosis of parasitic diseases
o Examination of faeces for parasite ova and cysts etc. by direct and concentration methods (salt floatation, formol-ether methods and others)
o Egg counting techniques for helminthes, micrometry and mounting of slides
o Preparation & performance of stains -Leishman, Giemsa, Lugol's iodine, modified acid fast stain, etc.
o Examination of blood for protozoa by thick and thin stained smears, QBC and microfilariae including concentration techniques
o Examination of other specimens eg. Urine, CSF, Bone marrow etc. for parasites
o Micrometry Identification of medically important adult worms
o Immuno & molecular assays in parasitic infections (malaria, cryptosporidium, etc.)
o Identification of common arthropods and other vectors viz. mosquito, sandfly, ticks, mites, Cyclops, etc.
o Preservation of parasites-mounting, fixing, staining etc.
Skills which are desirable to acquire
o In-vitro culture of parasites like entamoeba,leishmania, P.falciparum, etc.
o Maintainance of toxoplasma gondii in mice.
o Preparation of media - NIH, NNN etc.
o Copro-culture for larva of hook worms.
o Antigen preparation viz. Entamoeba, Filarial, Hydatid for serological tests like IHA and skin test like Casoni's.
o Permanent staining techniques like iron haematoxylin
• Virology
o Preparation of glassware for tissue cultures (washing, sterilisation).
o Preparation of buffers like PBS, Hank's Preparation of clinical specimens for isolation of viruses
o Collection & transport of specimens
o Staining for inclusion bodies
o Serological tests -ELISA & Immunofluoresence for HIV & HBsAg etc
o Molecular techniques in virology
o Chick Embryo techniques-inoculation and harvesting
o Handling of mice, rats and guinea pigs for collection of blood and other samples.
Skills which are desirable to acquire
o Preparation of Monkey Kidney Cells (Primary) maintenance of continuous cell lines by subcutures.
o Preservation of cell cultures.
o Recognition of CPE in tissue cultures.
o Performance of haemadsorption, haemagglutination, immunofluorescence, neutralization tests for identification of viruses. Other areas in which knowledge is to be acquired:
• Pyrogen testing
• Biostatistics and clinical epidemiology
• Ethics & Medico legal aspects
• Economics of management of diseases
Posting Sections/ departments
Section/ Department | Duration |
1. Orientation posting | 1 month |
2. Media room & Sterlization | 2 months |
3. Bacteriology* | |
Pus & Body fluids seat | 3 months |
Blood seat | 3 months |
Urine seat | 3 months |
Enterobactericeae | 3 months |
4. Parasitology* | 3 months |
5. Microbial Immunology* | 3 months |
6. Mycology* | 3 months |
7. Virology* | 3 months |
8. Mycobacteriology* | 2 months |
9. Molecular Laboratory* | 2 months |
10. Infection Control & Antibiotic Stewardship* | 2 months |
11. Histopathology/ Cytology | 1 month |
12. Revision & External posting | 2 months |
TOTAL | 36 months |
: 12-15 positive cases per year per Post graduate at his/her posting need to be logged in (as a separate log book) with clinical details under supervision of the faculty incharge of the posting.
Note: Case series thus obtained are encouraged for publication. Such case series along with the log book will be part of the internal assessment at the end of the postings.
Career Options
After completing a DNB in Microbiology, candidates will get employment opportunities in Government as well as in the Private sector.
In the Government sector, candidates have various options to choose from, including Registrar, Senior Resident, Demonstrator, Tutor, etc.
While in the Private sector the options include Resident Doctor, Consultant, Visiting Consultant (Microbiology), Junior Consultant, Senior Consultant (Microbiology), Consultant Microbiology Specialist, etc.
Courses After DNB in Microbiology Course
DNB in Microbiology is a specialization course that can be pursued after finishing MBBS. After pursuing a specialization in DNB (Microbiology), a candidate could also pursue super specialization courses recognized by NMC, where DNB (Microbiology) is a feeder qualification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – DNB in Microbiology Course
Question: What is a DNB in Microbiology?
Answer: DNB Microbiology or Diplomate of National Board in Microbiology also known as DNB in Microbiology is a Postgraduate level course for doctors in India that is done by them after completion of their MBBS.
Question: Is DNB in Microbiology equivalent to MD in Microbiology?
Answer: DNB in Microbiology is equivalent to MD in Microbiology, the list of recognized qualifications awarded by NBE in various broad and super specialties as approved by the Government of India are included in the first schedule of the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956.
Question: What is the duration of a DNB in Microbiology?
Answer: DNB in Microbiology is a postgraduate programme of three years.
Question: What is the eligibility of a DNB in Microbiology?
Answer: Candidates must be in possession of an undergraduate MBBS degree from any college/university recognized by the Medical Council of India (now NMC).
Question: What is the scope of a DNB in Microbiology?
Answer: DNB in Microbiology offers candidates various employment opportunities and career prospects.
Question: What is the average salary for a DNB in Microbiology postgraduate candidate?
Answer: The DNB in Microbiology candidate's average salary is between Rs. 5,00,000 to Rs. 20,00,000 per year depending on the experience.
Question: Are DNB Microbiology and MD Microbiology equivalent for pursuing teaching jobs?
Answer: The Diplomate of National Board in broad-speciality qualifications and super speciality qualifications when granted in a medical institution with attached hospital or in a hospital with the strength of five hundred or more beds, by the National Board of Examinations, shall be equivalent in all respects to the corresponding postgraduate qualification and the super-speciality qualification granted under the Act, but in all other cases, senior residency in a medical college for an additional period of one year shall be required for such qualification to be equivalent for the purposes of teaching also.
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