Infectious diseases have killed more people than any other single cause and have remained the primary source of morbidity and mortality worldwide

Infectious diseases have killed more people than any other single cause and have remained the primary source of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Infectious diseases are disorders caused by microorganisms — such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Many of these organisms are part of our bodies’ microflora, and are generally beneficial, but under certain circumstances they may lead to disease. Furthermore, other infectious diseases can be transmitted directly or indirectly: from one person to another, from insects or animals, or can be acquired by ingestion of contaminated foods and water, as well as by environmental exposure. Accordingly, our ever-growing world population is facing new challenges such as emerging and re-emerging infectious disease associated with globalization and increased populations of immunocompromised individuals. Therefore, the prescription and/or administration of an antimicrobial and the potential emergence of resistance among pathogenic microbial isolates requires a working knowledge of the diversity of infectious agents, testing and profiling techniques used to identify them, treatment modalities and preventative actions. Accordingly, the objective of the following term paper is to acquaint students with performing original literature research pertaining their chosen infectious agent.  This paper will be in a review paper format, ranging from its history and discovery to morphology and growth characteristics, mechanisms of pathogenicity and treatment or preventative options, and lastly public health related management strategies or policies.

Each student will select an infectious agent of their interest (bacteria) at the beginning of the quarter and research their chosen microbe outside of class using web resources (NIH, CDC, FDA, PubMed), and peer-reviewed primary literature. You will be expected to prepare a 5 page written paper covering the various topics listed below.

Taxonomic classification

History and interesting facts

Notable outbreaks

• Morphological and growth characteristics
• Disease geography
• Rout of transmission
• Mechanisms of pathogenesis
• Diagnosis / symptoms
• Treatment modalities / availability of vaccine
• Public health initiatives / preventative actions