526-032 Microbiology and Immunology

Coordinator

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

The principal objectives are (i) to develop an understanding of: (a) the characteristics and behaviour of microorganisms and their relationship to the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and control of infectious disease; and (b) the characteristics, components and mechanisms of immune responses to infection and the possible abnormalities of responses in infection and other disease states, and (ii) to develop basic skills in: (a) working in an aseptic environment; (b) collecting, transporting and conducting preliminary investigations of clinical specimens, and (c) applying and interpreting the results of relevant diagnostic tests. Major topics covered: characteristics of pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, rickettsiae, fungi, protozoa, helminths); pathogenesis; laboratory diagnosis of infectious disease (collection of specimens, laboratory investigations, interpretation of reports); epidemiology and control of infectious disease (routes of transmission, immunisation, sterilisation, disinfection, hospital-acquired infections); antimicrobial chemotherapy (modes of action of and resistance to antimicrobial agents; clinical applications); immunology (ontogeny, organisation and functional development of the immune system; characterisation and effector functions of subpopulations; MHC restriction; tolerance and immune suppression; immunoglobulins, cytokines, complement; hypersensitivity; antimicrobial immunity; autoimmunity and immunodeficiency; MHC antigens - graft rejection and disease associations). Problem-oriented practical classes, tutorial sessions and museum demonstrations which present microbiological and immunological material in a clinical context.

Assessment

A 1-hour written examination at the end of the first semester (20%). A 3-hour written examination (50%) and a 2-hour practical examination (30%) at the end of the second semester.

Prescribed Texts

• Baron S (ed), Medical Biology. 4th ed. University of Texas 1996 or Roitt et. al., Immunology, 4th ed. Mosby 1996.