MEDT 490 Pathogenic Microbiology

(Credits: 3)

Students are introduced to pathogenic bacteria as well as those that reside as normal flora in humans. This course is primarily focused on the laboratory isolation and identification of pathogenic bacteria by conventional biochemical techniques typically encountered in a Clinical Microbiology Lab. Emphasis is placed on the basic microscopic characteristics of each of the genera studied as well as their biochemical differentiation. The student obtains expertise by working with known organisms as well as unknown and mixed samples. The Lecture portion of the course supports the laboratory by providing a more in-depth discussion of each genera of pathogenic bacteria studied in lab. Pathogens are studied according to their classification, structure, virulence, epidemiology, clinical syndrome(s), and treatment. The lecture also provides a platform to discuss organisms that cannot be safely propagated in a student laboratory. The organisms studied include but are not limited to: Gram positive/negative, cocci/bacilli, aerobic/anaerobic, spore-forming, and non-spore forming organisms, Mycobacterium, Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, Actinomycetes, Rickettsia, and Spirochetes. Conventional and/or automated and molecular techniques are also discussed when applicable.

Prerequisite: General microbiology