Microbiology/Immunology

Catalog description

Medical Microbiology and Immunology is designed to introduce the student to core concepts in immunology and infectious diseases. Specifically, in the immunology component, students learn the basic concepts of immunology such as the innate and acquired immune systems. The focus of the course is on the immune response to various microbial agents as well as the failures of the immune system such as hypersensitivity, autoimmunity, immunodeficiency, and transplantation reactions. The Microbiology section of the course is designed to provide the student with knowledge of infectious diseases, the organisms responsible for and the response of the body to the presence of these agents. The structure, function, and genetics of bacterial and viral organisms and their relationships to pathogenicity will be discussed. Students will be introduced to the groups of pathogenic organisms including prions, viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Emphasis will be placed on the bacterial and viral agents associated with the infectious diseases most commonly seen by the osteopathic primary care physician. The virulence mechanisms and laboratory identification features will be covered during this course, with more in-depth coverage of the disease process of these organisms occurring during the systems. The prions, fungi, and parasites will be discussed in the system with which they are most closely associated. Laboratories introduce students to aseptic techniques and proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials. In addition, the students become familiar with some of the most commonly used tests for laboratory identification of bacterial pathogens. Osteopathic Principles and Practice (OPP):