The Microbe Fair, an annual event at Francisco Marroquín University’s Faculty of Medicine, took place on October 31, 2025. The fair involved pairs of medical students adopting a microbe—either a bacterium or virus—and presenting information about it, including its treatment, symptoms, diagnosis, and affected populations.
Student Fabián Pacheco explained the goal: "The idea is that we remember microorganisms for life." Pacheco and his partner Belén Bautista chose group B streptococcus as their focus. "We chose this bacterium because it mainly affects pregnant women and their children. We liked it when we saw it in class since it's very interesting and we think it's important to learn about it," Pacheco said.
Students María Fernanda de León and Ximena Barrios selected rotavirus for their project. De León stated, "We were very interested because, before, in Guatemala many children died from this virus; now, thanks to the vaccine, that no longer happens." Barrios added recommendations for prevention: all children should be vaccinated against rotavirus to reduce hospitalization risk and emphasized handwashing and food hygiene.
Mateo González and Mireya Sánchez focused on viridans group streptococcus. González noted: "We chose this streptococcus because it's a very common bacterium associated with cavities and heart problems." Sánchez highlighted the prevalence of cavities among children and warned that this bacteria can cause endocarditis in invasive cases.
Rafael Soto remarked on the educational value of the fair: "This activity reinforces learning about the selected microbe, whether virus or bacteria, and also provides information about them to students, professors from other disciplines, and staff who visit the fair." Soto’s chosen topic was the Zika virus.
The event featured numerous other microorganisms presented by student groups. Activities included student-prepared explanations, educational materials, and foods designed to evoke either the microbes themselves or diseases they cause. According to organizers, initiatives like this support rigorous learning experiences that connect science with everyday life.
For more information:
Faculty of Medicine
medicina@ufm.edu
Guatemala City – November 4, 2025
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