Several types of microscopy are used in epidemiology, each with its specific applications:
Light Microscopy: Commonly used for routine examination of clinical specimens. Special stains like Gram stain and Ziehl-Neelsen stain are used to differentiate types of microorganisms. Fluorescence Microscopy: Utilizes fluorescent dyes to detect specific pathogens or cellular components. It's particularly useful in diagnosing tuberculosis and other diseases. Electron Microscopy: Provides high-resolution images of viruses and cellular structures, aiding in the detailed study of pathogen morphology.