Medical Immunology, Microbial Agents and Disease CausationModule Details

Rationale 

The course introduces students to the basic aspects of microbial morphology and differentiation as well as to the principles of immunological responses to microbial infection, preparing students for microbial related courses and disease management.

The course aims to provide the basic understanding and importance of immunology which is an important basis for disease causation and therefore a major part of training for medical doctors. It comprises components of introductory medical microbiology, immunology and the various microbial agents and the diseases they cause.

Learning Outcomes 

At the end of the course students will be expected to:
(i)     Describe the immune system and its role in maintaining health and managing disease.
(ii)    Define the common features of host-parasite relationships, how they present, and the host response.
(iii)   Explain the immunological aspects of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites of human and medical importance.
(iv)   Describe modes of transmission, pathogenic mechanisms, and diagnostic methods for microbial infections.
(v)    Analyse the mechanism of antimicrobial resistance and justify strategies for antimicrobial containment.
(vi)   Identify different microorganisms and the diseases they cause.
(vii)  Evaluate the pathogenic mechanisms of microorganisms in the context of disease causation.
(viii) Outline the epidemiology and control measures for diseases of national importance.
(ix)   Apply techniques to identify microorganisms in clinical and laboratory settings.
(x)    Assess antimicrobial susceptibility, resistance patterns, infection surveillance, prevention strategies, and epidemic preparedness.