Choose an infectious agent that is listed in your book. Give instructor the name (each student will research a different infectious agent). Perform a literature search to identify infections caused by this agent. Be sure to address the following questions:
- What is the name of your infectious agent? (List the Genus species name using proper protocol.) What type of organism is the agent (bacteria, helminth, virus, fungus, etc)?
- What does the infectious agent look like? What are distinguishing characteristics of the agent? Describe the life cycle of your agent.
- What disease(s) does your agent cause?
- For one of the diseases caused by this agent discuss the following:
Portal of entry
Incubation period
Signs and symptoms
Diagnostic criteria
Standard treatments
Experimental treatments (if applicable)
Preventative measures (if applicable) - Which is the host range of the agent? Are there other reservoirs of your agent? How is your agent transmitted?
- Report incidence/prevalence of the disease (USA).
- Any there any new, special challenges with regard to this agent (ie increasing incidence, drug resistance, etc).
Sample Solution
