Staphylococcus-like organisms on samples of wood collected from steam baths. (Image courtesy of CDC/ Janice Carr.)

This course introduces students to the principles of infectious agents. With an empahasis on pathobiology, lecturers chosen for their expertise and speaking ability cover a wide range of topics from Streptococcus to Fastidious Bacteria. The course also includes a Wet-lab hands-on experience.

The intent of this course is to introduce students to basic tactics used by microbial pathogens to establish infectious diseases. As such, students should understand that most of the principles detailed in the course will be encountered several times during the next year of studies, particularly in the Infectious Diseases unit. The topics covered in this course deal selectively with important pathogens because Medical Microbiology will not be the only exposure of the student to infectious agents. As examples, HIV is only covered in two lectures, but you will have other opportunities to review the basics of disease caused by this virus.

An understanding of the principles of infectious agents calls for some hands-on experience, so this course also includes a wet~lab that most students regard as fun and painless. Some of the things learned in the wet-lab will eventually be utilized by all of you in the clinic. Participation in the lab is required for successful completion of the course, and a detailed lab summary will be required of all students after the last lab session.

Microbiology is taught in conjunction with Pathophysiology of Infectious Diseases and Pharmacology, both of which courses contain essential subject matter in the field of Medical Microbiology that will not be found in this course.