Aplicaciones de la microscopia electrónica de barrido en microbiología para el diagnóstico de enfermedades infecciosas

Abstract

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is a technique that has great resolving power and depth of field on samples of biological and non-biological origin, allowing three-dimensional images to be obtained as a result of electron interactions with the sample surface. The applications of SEM are found in different fields such as: construction, metallurgy, mineralogy, crystallography, forensic medicine, biology, botany, geotextiles, dentistry. The present research is descriptive and was obtained through a bibliographic review of scientific articles related to the subject, determining important applications of SEM as an indispensable instrumental method in the field of microbiology, for the recognition and evaluation of any type of microorganism causing any type of disease related to viruses, bacteria, fungi, among others. It is also indicated that in order to work with biological samples, the sample must be dehydrated by applying any of the three drying methods, either with the use of solvents, critical point drying or freeze-drying; taking into account that the sample must not suffer any alteration, as it must be compatible with operations under vacuum and therefore with the electron beam. Subsequently, the sample is covered using an electrically conductive material such as aluminium or gold that deliberates the electron beam for its visualisation on the monitor, allowing to know the morphological characteristics, gender, among others. The SEM performs conventional diagnostic tests that go unnoticed as variants or new strains of microorganisms, and recognises the organism present, leading to specific tests.