Throughout history, humans have battled outbreaks of disease; many lost their lives to diseases before treatments and cures were discovered.
Plagues to Patients
Throughout history, humans have battled outbreaks of disease; many lost their lives to diseases before treatments and cures were discovered. Modern science and medicine have become efficient in developing vaccines and medications to control and treat the outbreaks, but whether or not the diseases will ever truly be eradicated is in question. Considering how many of these infectious diseases exist and how easily they spread, it is important to remember safety issues to reduce and prevent transmission.
For your initial post, research a specific infectious outbreak in history and share your finding with your classmates. Be sure to include the following information in your initial post (one paragraph):
Disease name
Infectious agent (is the disease bacterial, viral, fungal?)
Mode of transmission
Signs and symptoms of the disease
Treatment (or treatments) available
Try not to duplicate another classmate’s topic.
After considering all of your research, explain the impact of infection rates in health care environments and who or what you think is the culprit.
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 2 Discussion
How Clean Is It?
Handwashing and use of antimicrobial chemicals (such as alcohol based hand sanitizers) are effective ways to prevent the spread of microorganisms, particularly in the health care setting.
For your initial post, imagine that you are infection control nurse tasked with educating personnel on a large medical/surgical unit that has recently seen an increase in hospital acquired infections (HAIs) in their patients. Describe how you would educate personnel about the importance of handwashing and increase handwashing compliance amongst the staff?
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 3 Discussion
What Goes Around Comes Around
Have you heard of the so called “5-second rule” for when food falls to the floor? (NOT true by the way) Have you seen the signs in restrooms indicating that all employees must wash their hands before returning to work? Bacteria are everywhere and the concept of cleanliness should apply to anyone who comes in contact with foreign materials, fecal matter or urine, or any potentially contaminated materials.
For your initial post, discuss which two rooms in your home or work place that you believe are the most contaminated. Explain why you chose these two rooms and list at least two bacteria that are the common types found in those rooms.
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 4 Discussion
Viral Treatment Options
There are many opinions on the need and/or importance of vaccines in preventing the spread of disease. Our children are required to get vaccinations before entering school, and health care workers must have them when working in environments where they can come into contact with bloodborne pathogens. In health care facilities, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) are the two more prominent infectious concerns for medical staff.
For your initial post, research the two diseases HIV and HCV. Based on your research, discuss whether you think that a vaccine will be developed for either of these diseases within the next ten years. Why or why not?
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 5 Discussion
What’s Eating You?
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the more prevalent nosocomial infections in health care faculties today. Any patient with a compromised immune system or open wound is susceptible to contracting MRSA from medical staff or even family members. Although MRSA is commonly connected to health care facilities, MRSA can be found anywhere.
For your initial post, discuss who you believe to be at the highest risk for MRSA outside the health care environment? Explain. Discuss the common fomites or transmission factors involved as well as the preventative measures the public can do to reduce or prevent MRSA infections.
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 6 Discussion
Microbial Transmission Routes in Hospitals
Hospitals and other health care settings will often implement Transmission-Based Precautions to prevent or help reduce the spread of infections to health care workers, as well other patients in their care. These Transmission-Based Precautions are designed to supplement standard precautions in patients/residents with documented or suspected infection/colonization of highly transmissible or epidemiologically important pathogens. The three categories of Transmission-Based Precautions include:
Contact Precautions
Droplet Precautions
Airborne Precautions
For your initial post, choose one of the Transmission based Precautions listed above to research. Include what the definition of the precaution is, when it would be implemented and what type of personal protective equipment (PPE) a health care worker would be required to wear when coming in contact with a patient under that particular precaution.
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 7 Discussion
Microbial Transmission Routes of STIs and STDs
For your initial post, imagine that you are a school nurse tasked with educating middle school/high school students about STIs and STDs. Create a pamphlet or educational handout/flyer that can be provided to students and/or parents educating them about an STI or STD, how the disease is transmitted, how the disease is detected or tested for, signs and symptoms of the disease, and finally, the treatment options available.
If available, include statistical information about infection rates for this disease for your state.
For your reply post, provide feedback on the flyer/handout created by at least one of your peers.
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 8 Discussion
Super Bugs
Many of us have been impacted by outbreaks of disease in our lifetimes.
For your initial post, reflect back over the past decade and recall a news-breaking infectious outbreak of a disease that made an impact on you. Please include a link to a news article or video related to your outbreak in your initial post. Explain how that story changed the way you interacted with people, family, or friends.
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 9 Discussion
Over Medicated and Overwhelmed
Antibiotics have saved millions of lives since they were first observed by Pasteur and Koch and later named by Selman Waksman in 1942. Unfortunately, antibiotic resistant microbial strains are becoming more prevalent and therefore making once easily treated infections more difficult to treat.
For your initial discussion post, share your thoughts on three ways that society – not physicians or medical staff – can help to reduce the development of drug resistant microbial strains.
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 10 Discussion
Natural Disasters and the Spread of Disease
Every year, natural disasters impact families, communities, nations, and cultures. Whether the natural disaster is a flood, hurricane, tornado, fire or earthquake, it can alter the environment and cause potential health hazards.
For this module’s initial discussion post, research a major national or global disaster that occurred in the last decade. Provide a brief summary of the disaster and explain the common public health risks that occurred as well as potential long-term health risks the victims might be facing. Do you think the type of natural disaster you studied has the highest risk of spreading diseases, or another type of natural disaster? Explain.
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 11 Discussion
Future of Medicine
Genetic engineering has become a part of our culture and it is difficult to tell the difference between unmodified and genetically modified food sources such as plants and animals. After reading this module’s material regarding vectors in biotechnology, consider the potential for nanotechnology and gene therapy.
For your initial discussion post, research nanotechnology and its potential use in biotechnology. Explain the potential advantages and disadvantages of nanotechnology in health care and discuss whether you would or would not support further research.
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 1 Homework
1. Define and briefly describe the different classes of microorganisms(including the terms Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes):
1. Eukaryotes –
a. Algae –
b. Fungi –
c. Protozoans –
2. Prokaryotes –
a. Bacteria –
b. Archae –
3. Viruses –
4. Prions –
2. Define the four main types of organic molecules. Be sure to describe their function and give examples of each
a. Carbohydrates –
b. Proteins –
c. Lipids –
d. Nucleic acids –
3. What does the term PPE stand for? What are common types of PPE that are worn in the lab or hospital setting?
4. Describe two ways in which microorganisms are used in our everyday lives:
5. Identify two different types of staining techniques used with light microscopy. Describe the dyes used in these techniques and why they are used.
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 2 Homework
• Use the information presented in the module folder along with your readings from the textbook to answer the following questions.
1. Describe four (4) important differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms:
2. Briefly describe the function of the following organelles:
a) Plasma membrane –
b) Glycocalyx –
c) Cell wall –
d) Nucleus –
e) Endoplasmic reticulum –
f) Golgi apparatus –
g) Lysosomes –
h) Ribosomes –
i) Peroxisomes –
j) Mitochondria –
k) Chloroplasts –
3. What is a biofilm? Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of biofilms:
4. Briefly describe the process of aerobic cellular respiration. How does this process differ from anaerobic cellular respiration? How are these processes similar?
5. Briefly describe the difference between eukaryotic cell division and prokaryotic cell division. Be sure to include the name of the processes that each uses to replicate:
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 3 Homework
• Use the information presented in the module folder along with your readings from the textbook to answer the following questions.
1. Define the following terms: sterilization, disinfection, and sanitization. How are each of these terms different from one another?
2. Compare and contrast selective media and differential media. Give examples of each type of media:
3. Define the following terms used to describe bacterial morphology or bacterial arrangements andgive examples of SPECIFIC organisms that are representatives of each category of MorphologyANDArrangements. For example: an example of a cocci organism is Staphylococcus aureus
a) Morphology:
1. Cocci –
2. Bacilli –
3. Vibrios
4. Spirilla
5. Spirochete–
b) Arrangements:
1. Diplo –
2. Strepto-
3. Staphlo-
4. Describe the four (4) different stages of the bacterial population growth curve:
5. Describe briefly how the following factors influence microbial growth:
a) Temperature
b) pH
c) Osmotic Pressure
d) Atmospheric conditions (presence or absence of oxygen)
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 4 Homework
• Use the information presented in the module folder along with your readings from the textbook to answer the following questions.
1. Describe the different morphological types of viruses and give examples of each type:
a. Helical
b. Icosahedral
c. Complex
2. Compare and contrast the multiplication of bacteriophages versus the multiplication of animal viruses:
3. Describe how viruses can act as mechanical vectors and biological vectors:
4. Describe five (5) characteristics of fungi and how they differ from other microorganisms:
5. Describe common characteristic of protozoans (protists). Name three (3) protozoans that are human parasites:
6. What are helminths? Name and describe three (3) that can cause problems in humans:
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 5 Homework
• Use the information presented in the module folder along with your readings from the textbook to answer the following questions.
1. Describe how microbes of the normal flora in the human body can become opportunistic pathogens. Give one (1) example of a normal flora that can become opportunistic in the body:
2. Describe three (3) common bacterial skin infections. Be sure to give the name of the specific organism that causes each and describe some common signs and symptoms of each:
3. Describe three (3) common fungal infections (mycoses) of the skin. Be sure to give the name of the specific organism that causes each and describe some common signs and symptoms of each:
4. Describe three (3) different types of respiratory infections caused by bacteria. Be sure to give the name of the specific organism that causes each and describe some common signs and symptoms of each:
5. Discuss the difference between emerging infectious diseases and reemerging infectious diseases. Give examples of each.
6. Briefly discuss and describe three (3) common viral respiratory infections. Be sure to give the name of the specific virus that causes each as well as some signs and symptoms for each:
7. Describe three (3) common fungal respiratory infectionsand the name of the specific organism that causes them as well as some signs and symptoms for each:
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 6 Homework
• Use the information presented in the module folder along with your readings from the textbook to answer the following questions.
1. Differentiate between bacterial infection and bacterial intoxication.
2. Discuss the importance of E. coli as part of our intestinal flora.
3. Describe three (3) different types of gastrointestinal diseases caused by bacteria. Be sure to give the name of the specific organism that causes each, describe some common signs and symptoms and discuss treatment for each disease:
4. Define meningitis.Compare and contrastbetween bacterial and viral meningitis including treatment for each.
5. What is a prion? Describe the impact prions have on the human brain and discuss two prion-associated diseases in humans:
6. What is a vector-borne (vector transmitted) disease? Give an example of a vector borne disease and the vector responsible for causing it:
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 7 Homework
• Use the information presented in the module folder along with your readings from the textbook to answer the following questions.
1. Describe three (3) functions of a normal healthy body that help prevent the occurrence of UTIs:
2. List two reasons why women are at higher risks for developing UTIs
3. Briefly describe the two-step process used to diagnose UTIs.Which organism is most often responsible for causing UTIs?
4. What is Vaginosis? List some of the members of the normal microflora of the female reproductive organs and discuss factors that may contribute to an abnormal increase in these organisms.
5. Describe and explain the primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary stages of syphilis:
. Explain why a person with AIDS is more susceptible to opportunistic infections. What diseases or conditions might a person with HIV or AIDS be more susceptible to?
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 8 Homework
• Use the information presented in the module folder along with your readings from the textbook to answer the following questions.
1. What are the different portals of entry for a pathogen to enter the body?
2. Define the following disease categories:
1. Endemic –
2. Sporadic –
3. Epidemic –
4. Pandemic –
3. Describe thedifference between innate immunity and adaptive immunity. Which type of immunity is specific and typically longer lasting?
4. Differentiate between active and passive types of immunity. Which type of immunity is long lasting and which is short lasting?
5. Discuss the five (5)different classes of vaccines used in active immunity.
6. Define and differentiate between hypersensitivity reactions and autoimmune disease.Gives an example of hypersensitivity reaction and an example of an autoimmune disease:
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 9 Homework
• Use the information presented in the module folder along with your readings from the textbook to answer the following questions.
1. Explain and differentiate between sterilization and commercial sterilization. What organism does commercial sterilization aim to destroy?
2. Describe three (3) differentphysical methods of controlling microbial growth:
3. Describe three (3) different chemical methods of controlling microbial growth:
4. Briefly summarize the 4 (four) different Biosafety levels. Give examples of microorganisms studied in each level:
5. What is the Kirby Bauer Disc diffusion method? How it is used to determine antibiotic efficacy?
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 10 Homework
• Use the information presented in the module folder along with your readings from the textbook to answer the following questions.
1. Compare the difference between a point mutation and a frameshift mutation:
2. Describe the different between vertical gene transfer and horizontal gene transfer:
3. What is conjugation? How can it contribute to antibiotic resistance in microorganisms?
4. What is a Healthcare-associated infection (HAI) or nosocomial infection? How is this different from an iatrogenic disease? How are these diseases contracted? Give examples of each type:
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