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Pathogenic Bacteriology


Course Description

Molecular basis of bacterial virulence: identification of virulence factors, genetic regulation of virulence, and the complex interactions between bacterial pathogens and their hosts.

Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be required to present a clinical case study to the entire class. These presentations will last for 30 minutes as part of the normal case study discussions. Graduate students will be graded on their preparation and effectiveness by the instructor using evaluations from the other graduate students.


Athena Title

Pathogenic Bacteriology


Equivalent Courses

Not open to students with credit in MIBO 4220S, POPH 4220S or MIBO 6220S, POPH 6220S


Prerequisite

MIBO 3500 or MIBO 3500E


Semester Course Offered

Offered spring


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

The course objective is to provide students with an understanding of how pathogenic bacteria cause disease in humans and how host defenses respond to these bacteria. Basic principles of bacterial physiology and host-microbe interactions will be understood by students who have successfully completed the course. Students will learn about bacterial pathogenesis through a variety of approaches that include class lectures, textbook readings, interactive assignments with an internet-based learning platform (WebCT), and case studies. Students will be evaluated on the basis of several in-class tests, a final exam, and their success in completing the case studies. Students taking the course for graduate level or honors credit will also be evaluated on the basis of either an in-class presentation or a term paper.


Topical Outline

I. Host Defenses II. Virulence Factors III. Regulation of Virulence Gene Expression IV. Antibiotics V. Molecular Diagnostics VI. Staphylococcus and Streptococcus VII. Vector-borne Diseases VIII. Clostridium IX. Helicobacter X. Diphtheria XI. Atypical Pneumonia XII. Mycobacteria XIII. Meningitis XIV. Escherchia coli, Salmonella, and Shigella XV. Campylobacter XVI. Vibrio XVII. Sexually Transmitted Diseases XVIII. Vaccines


Syllabus