526-308 Medical Bacteriology

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Objectives:

By the end of the subject students should be able to:

• demonstrate an understanding of the mechanisms used by bacteria to infect humans and other animals, particularly as applied to pathogenesis, prevention and treatment;

• appreciate the genetic basis of the expression of bacterial virulence, and comprehend the biochemical, physiological and immunological mechanisms which underpin the pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of bacterial infections;

• understand the ways in which this information can be applied to an analysis of bacterial virulence and the design and testing of anti-bacterial vaccines and therapeutic agents.

Content:

Characterisation of the pathogenic process, namely bacterial adhesion, invasion, replication, toxicity and immunity. The genetic basis of the expression of bacterial virulence determinants which mediate these processes, and the biochemical and physiological basis of the host response. The contrasting molecular modes of action of agents used to treat bacterial infections. Traditional and novel means of vaccinating against bacterial infections. Model bacterial infections.

Assessment:

Prescribed Texts:

• Salyers, A. A. and Whitt, D. D., Bacterial Pathogenesis - a molecular approach, 1994, ASM Press.