As pre-health professionals, you have the opportunity to apply concepts you learn in this course to the study of a particular pathogen. Each of

As pre-health professionals, you have the opportunity to apply concepts you learn in this course to the study of a particular pathogen. Each of

you will choose a pathogenic species to research. It may be chosen from the list below, or approved by the instructor. Your report will be

presented in both written and oral format, and should contain the information provided in the guidelines below. Keep in mind that some of the

information may not be available for some pathogens. The written report will be APA referenced, 3-8 pagesand double spaced (approximately 750 to

2400 words). The oral presentation will be presented during the last week of the course in PowerPoint format. The oral presentation will be no

longer than 10 minutes and will be graded by your peers. All disease information will be considered as exam material for the final exam.

Written and oral reports will be graded according to guideline material, flow, citing and referencing, and correct grammar and spelling as

described in the Assignment Rubric. You are required to take a draft of your written report to the Writing Center in Vernal, Roosevelt or online

for constructive criticism to improve your writing and citations. Evidence of your discussion with the staff member (written form provided for

face-to-face visit, or copy of feedback email for electronic “visit”) is required. See the lecture schedule for due dates for 1) evidence of a

visit to the Writing Center, and 2) final draft. I will deduct 10% per day after the due date, so don’t be late! This should be an enjoyable

exercise, so get started early!

Grading:
See the Assignment Rubric for expectations and grading criteria.

Documentation of Writing center visit 25 points
Final written report to be shared with classmates 100 points
Oral presentation 75 points
Total 200 points

Format
Written Report:
• 3-8 pages double spaced (750 – 2400 words)
• APA-style citations
• Evidence of visit to Writing Center is required (see lecture schedule for due date)
Oral Presentation: to be presented to classmates during last week of classes
• PowerPoint not to exceed 10 minutes

Content Guidelines (not necessarily presented in this order):
1. Name and describe the pathogenic species (the etiological agent of a disease)
a. Show or draw image showing structure of the microbe.
b. To what group of life does it belong? (Is it a Bacteria, an Archaea, a virus, a protozoan…?)
c. Describe how it is distinguished from other members of its group.
2. Name and describe the infectious disease(s) it causes.
3. Transmission
a. Name the reservoir (source of infection).
b. Describe the mode of transmission (see CH 14).
c. Include any other information related to the dynamics of transmission.
4. Pathogenesis (how the disease develops)
a. Describe the following stages of pathogenesis:
i. Portal of entry into host organism
ii. Attachment
iii. Avoiding host defenses
iv. Damage to tissues (Describe the toxin produced if any. Is it an endotoxin or an exotoxin?)
v. Portal of exit
b. Name the tissue(s) that is affected and explain why. (Think about the attachment and damage stages above.)
c. Relate the disease symptoms and signs to the activities of the pathogen.
5. Describethe clinical manifestations of the disease.
a. incubation time
b. signs and symptoms
c. diagnosis
d. how presumptive and confirmed identifications are made
e. preferred treatment and how it works.
6. Describe any preventative measures like behavior or vaccination
7. Include human interest items (social, cultural, economic or historical) associated with the disease(s) caused by this microbe. Be

creative! Some ideas to add interest:
a. a case study
b. social and economic impacts
c. development of treatments / drugs
d. personal experience
e. personal reflection
f. how disease was first identified (history)
g. epidemics (see MMWR for local information and cases)