Microbiology and Virology in Disease CausationModule Details

Rationale 

This course examines bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites of clinical importance in human systems and focuses on specific systemic microbial infections, their pathophysiology, diagnosis, and antimicrobial treatment.

This aims at making students have a deeper understanding of microbiology and virology as an important basis for disease causation and therefore a major part of training for medical doctors. It comprises components of introductory medical microbiology and virology, the various microbial agents, and the diseases they cause.

Learning Outcomes 

At the end of the course students will be expected to:
(i)     Define the common features of the host-parasite relationship, their presentations, and the host response.
(ii)    Differentiate the immunological aspects of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites of human and medical importance.
(iii)   Describe modes of transmission, pathogenic mechanisms, and diagnostic methods for microbial agents.
(iv)   Elucidate the mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and the rationale for antimicrobial containment strategies.
(v)    Analyse different microorganisms and the diseases they cause.
(vi)   Assess the pathogenic mechanisms of microorganisms.
(vii)  Define the epidemiology and control measures for diseases of national importance.
(viii) Identify microorganisms using appropriate laboratory techniques.
(ix)   Interpret antimicrobial susceptibility and resistance patterns, local resistance trends, infection surveillance, prevention strategies, and epidemic preparedness.