Introduction to Medical Microbiology

On a sheet of notebook paper, respond to the following questions. 1. What do you already know about microbiology? 2.Can you think of any significant events or scientists that help develop our knowledge of microbiology?

History of Microbiology Get into groups Each member of your group will select a person to research from the folder provided. Read about your person. Share the information you learned with your group. Once done with the above, your group’s job is to create a timeline of a few major events in the history of microbiology. Include all of your scientists and any other important developments.

Now that you know a little about the history… Microbes (small organisms) Viruses Bacteria Fungi Parasites

Viruses Smallest of the microbes; cannot be seen with a light microscope DNA or RNA enclosed by a protein coat. Require a host cell for replication Examples: common cold, rabies, ebola, smallpox

Virus

Bacteria Prokaryotic and unicellular Reproduce by binary fission Cell wall, NO NUCLEUS or other organelles Some are beneficial; some are parasitic Produce toxins that cause disease

Bacteria

Fungi Eukaryotic Cells- has a nucleus and other organelles Cell walls made of chitin We will study 3 main types of fungi –Yeast- unicellular –Mold- multicellular –Some that can be “dimorphic” meaning they can be both uni and multicellular in different circumstances.

Fungi

Parasites Eukaryotic Examples include protozoa, worms

Microbial Disease Some microbes cause specific disease –Treponema pallidum = syphilis Most microbes cause many manifestations of disease –Staphylococcus aureus can cause pneumonia, wound infections (MRSA), food poisoning.

Some microbes always cause disease Most microbes are only capable of causing disease under certain circumstances Exogenous infection- caused by microbes from external sources (flu, tetanus, etc.) Endogenous infection- caused by normal flora spreading to places its not supposed to be.

Introduction to Microbiology Lab Lab plays an important role in diagnosis, treatment, and control of infectious disease. You will have the opportunity to do several labs this semester, but mastering proper technique first is important