Clinical microbiology is the branch of science that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. This field involves the cultivation, identification, and susceptibility testing of these microorganisms in order to determine the cause of a patient's infection and guide appropriate treatment strategies. Clinical microbiologists work closely with healthcare providers to ensure the effective management of infections and to prevent the spread of pathogens in healthcare settings. They also play a critical role in surveillance and monitoring of infectious disease outbreaks in the community.