Coming Soon to a Person Near You! Understanding Microbes and Disease By: Shirley Grimsley

Essential Question: How can science help us to understand the world around us?

Rationale Microbes are a part of our lives every day. Some of them are good for us, some of them are harmful, and some of them are deadly. We need to understand the role microbes play in our lives and how to prevent diseases that are associated with them.

Some Microbes in Our World ProtistsBacteriaVirus Entamoeba histolytica Streptococcus AIDS Many microbes in our world cause sickness and disease in animals and plants.

Protists Entamoeba histolytica Causes dysentery, a severe form of amebiasis associated with stomach pain, bloody stools, and fever. Plasmodium, a one-celled parasite transmitted by a mosquito. Causes Malaria, associated with flu-like symptoms and intestinal problems. Plasmodium attacking a red blood cell

Bacteria Streptococcus Bacterium Causes the strep throat, a painful sore throat and fever. Mycobacterium tuberculosis Causes Tuberculosis, a highly contagious respiratory disease.

Viruses Orthomyxoviridae – Influenza Virus Causes the flu, which is a respiratory infection that often causes the infected person to have a fever, headache, and body aches. Retroviridae - HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) Causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which is a deadly disease that attacks the human immune system.

How can you prevent the spread of diseases caused by microbes? And, #1 - Wash your hands. Top 5 ways to help prevent the spread of disease: #2 – Keep surfaces clean and disinfected. #5 - Use antibiotics correctly. #3 - Use care when preparing and handling food. #4 - Get immunized.

Resources: AIDS Pathology – Useful for images of viruses The Big Picture Book of Viruses – Useful for images of influenza virus and HIV Flu – NIAID Fact Sheet - Useful information about influenza Hand washing – CDC – An Ounce of Prevention: Keeps the Germs Away – Useful video on hand washing

Resources, continued Malaria Brochure Epidemic – The World of Infectious Diseases l Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute – Press Release on DNA of the tissue destroyer - Genome clues to Amoebic Dysentery – Useful image and content information about Etamoeba Hystolytica