BIO 420: Key Topics in Medical Microbiology

Overview of BIO 420 Topics

This document outlines the main topics to be evaluated in BIO 420, focusing on the microbiology of infectious diseases affecting various human organ systems. The topics are organized by system and pathogen type, providing a comprehensive guide for exam preparation.

Pathogenesis and Infections of the Skin

• Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA)

• Streptococcus pyogenes

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa

• Clostridium perfringens

• Varicella-Zoster Virus (chickenpox, shingles)

• Herpes Simplex Virus

Key Concepts:

• Pathogenesis: Mechanisms by which pathogens invade and damage skin tissue.

• Clinical Manifestations: Symptoms and signs of skin infections (e.g., abscesses, cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis).

• Treatment: Antibiotic therapy, resistance (e.g., MRSA), and antiviral drugs.

Pathogenesis and Infections of the Respiratory System

• Streptococcus pneumoniae

• Mycobacterium tuberculosis

• Influenza Virus

• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

• Coronavirus (including SARS-CoV-2)

Key Concepts:

• Transmission: Airborne droplets, fomites, and direct contact.

• Pathogenesis: Colonization, immune evasion, and tissue damage.

• Prevention: Vaccination (e.g., influenza, pneumococcal vaccines), public health measures.

Pathogenesis and Infections of the Digestive System

• Escherichia coli (EHEC, ETEC, EPEC, etc.)

• Salmonella

• Shigella

• Vibrio cholerae

• Hepatitis Viruses (A, B, C, D, E)

Key Concepts:

• Pathogenesis: Toxin production, invasion, and immune response.

• Clinical Manifestations: Diarrhea, vomiting, hepatitis, and complications.

• Prevention: Food safety, sanitation, and vaccination (e.g., hepatitis A and B vaccines).

Pathogenesis and Infections of the Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems

• Staphylococcus aureus

• Streptococcus pyogenes

• Yersinia pestis (plague)

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

• Dengue Viruses (DENV1-4)

Key Concepts:

• Sepsis and Endocarditis: Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.

• Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers: Transmission, symptoms, and prevention.

• HIV/AIDS: Pathogenesis, immune evasion, and antiretroviral therapy.

Pathogenesis and Infections of the Nervous System

• Neisseria meningitidis

• Streptococcus pneumoniae

• Haemophilus influenzae

• Viral Encephalitis Viruses (e.g., West Nile, St. Louis, Japanese encephalitis)

• Poliovirus

• Rabies Virus

Key Concepts:

• Meningitis and Encephalitis: Etiology, clinical features, and laboratory diagnosis.

• Prevention: Vaccination (e.g., meningococcal, polio vaccines), vector control.

Pathogenesis and Infections of the Reproductive and Urinary Tract

• Neisseria gonorrhoeae

• Chlamydia trachomatis

• Treponema pallidum (syphilis)

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

• Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1

Key Concepts:

• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Pathogenesis, symptoms, and complications.

• Prevention: Safe sex practices, vaccination (e.g., HPV vaccine), and screening.

General Principles

• Pathogenesis: Mechanisms by which microbes cause disease.

• Host Defenses: Innate and adaptive immunity.

• Diagnosis: Laboratory methods for identifying pathogens.

• Treatment: Antimicrobial drugs, resistance, and public health strategies.

Additional info:

• This syllabus covers topics from Chapters 21-27 (Infections of various organ systems), as well as relevant pathogens and principles from earlier chapters (e.g., immunity, antimicrobial drugs).

• Students should be familiar with the clinical presentation, laboratory diagnosis, and prevention strategies for each infection.