Microbiology and Human Disease Overview of Microbiology

Microbiology-scientific study of microbes and microbial processes Microbe/microorganism- microscopic things that have characteristics of life (including viruses) Agent-thing that produces a certain effect such as a disease Pathogen-microbial agent of disease Culture (cultivate)-v. to grow microbes Isolate-to separate different lineages of microbes from each other in a growth medium Some Basic Terms

Infectious agents can be divided into some basic categories: Non-cellular (some would say non-living) Prions-infectious proteins Viruses-infectious particles made of DNA or RNA, protein, sometimes lipid membrane Cellular (living) Bacteria- single-celled organisms with circular DNA and no nucleus Protists-single celled organisms with nucleus and other membranous organelles Fungi-most are multi-celled; some are single celled (yeasts) organisms with nucleus and mitochondria Animals-all are multi celled organisms with nucleus, mitochondria, elaborate cellular structure, tissue, and organs

Extremely diverse branch of the life sciences American Society For Microbiology: one of the largest scientific associations in the world The divisions of ASM exemplify the important disciplines within microbiology Modern Microbiology

Overview of topics Scientific Method and Historical Perspectives Molecules and Cells Diversity of Microbes Microbial Genetics Host-Microbe interactions and Immunity Epidemiology Microbiological Methods Specific Agents of Disease –Prokaryotes (bacteria) –Eukaryotes (protists, fungi, helminthes) –Viruses and Prions

Global Microbiology Microbes have power to influence the planet. The Earth’s atmosphere was dramatically changed when bacteria first appeared. Pandemics occur when a disease outbreak is worldwide in distribution such as HIV

Applied Microbiology Microbiology Food and DrugsAgriculture Conservation and Environmental policy Public Health Biomedical engineering Bio-defense

Water Quality Microbiology

Conservation and Environmental Policy

Agriculture and Genetic Engineering Bacterial DNA Insecticide Gene Genetically modified corn

Genetic Engineering and Medicine Virus with ‘good’ gene Gene inserted into chromosome when virus invades cells

Food Production, Food Safety and Nutrition Microorganisms are used in the production of: Fermented beverages Cheese Yogurt Bread Some food may contain microbes that can be harmful and cause food-borne illness

Bio-Defense Many pathogenic organisms are potential bio- warfare/bioterrorism agents Rajneeshees cult used salmonella in the 1980’s Unknown perpetrator used anthrax in