MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 01 Discussion
Plagues to Patients
Throughout history, humans have battled outbreaks of disease; many lost their lives to diseases before treatments and cures were discovered. Modern science and medicine have become efficient in developing vaccines and medications to control and treat the outbreaks, but whether or not the diseases will ever truly be eradicated is in question. Considering how many of these infectious diseases exist and how easily they spread, it is important to remember safety issues to reduce and prevent transmission.
For your initial post, research a specific infectious outbreak in history and share your finding with your classmates. Be sure to include the following information in your initial post (one paragraph):
Disease name
Infectious agent (is the disease bacterial, viral, fungal?)
Mode of transmission
Signs and symptoms of the disease
Treatment (or treatments) available
Try not to duplicate another classmate’s topic.
After considering all of your research, explain the impact of infection rates in health care environments and who or what you think is the culprit.
For your reply post, expand on your peer’s ideas by sharing examples from your own experience or readings, suggesting outside resources to support the topic, and/or asking questions to dig deeper into the topic.
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 02 Discussion
How Clean Is It?
Handwashing and use of antimicrobial chemicals (such as alcohol based hand sanitizers) are effective ways to prevent the spread of microorganisms, particularly in the health care setting.
For your initial post, imagine that you are infection control nurse tasked with educating personnel on a large medical/surgical unit that has recently seen an increase in hospital acquired infections (HAIs) in their patients. Describe how you would educate personnel about the importance of handwashing and increase handwashing compliance amongst the staff?
For your reply post, expand on your peer’s ideas by sharing examples from your own experience or readings, suggesting outside resources to support the topic, and/or asking questions to dig deeper into the topic.
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 03 Discussion
What Goes Around Comes Around
Have you heard of the so called “5-second rule” for when food falls to the floor? (NOT true by the way) Have you seen the signs in restrooms indicating that all employees must wash their hands before returning to work? Bacteria are everywhere and the concept of cleanliness should apply to anyone who comes in contact with foreign materials, fecal matter or urine, or any potentially contaminated materials.
For your initial post, discuss which two rooms in your home or work place that you believe are the most contaminated. Explain why you chose these two rooms and list at least two bacteria that are the common types found in those rooms.
For your reply post, respond to at least one of your peers about different methods that can be used to decontaminate these rooms to reduce or eliminate microorganisms.
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 04 Discussion
Viral Treatment Options
There are many opinions on the need and/or importance of vaccines in preventing the spread of disease. Our children are required to get vaccinations before entering school, and health care workers must have them when working in environments where they can come into contact with bloodborne pathogens. In health care facilities, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) are the two more prominent infectious concerns for medical staff.
For your initial post, research the two diseases HIV and HCV. Based on your research, discuss whether you think that a vaccine will be developed for either of these diseases within the next ten years. Why or why not?
For your reply post, expand on your peer’s ideas by sharing examples from your own experience or readings, suggesting outside resources to support the topic, and/or asking furthering questions to dig deeper into the topic.
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 05 Discussion
What’s Eating You?
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the more prevalent nosocomial infections in health care faculties today. Any patient with a compromised immune system or open wound is susceptible to contracting MRSA from medical staff or even family members. Although MRSA is commonly connected to health care facilities, MRSA can be found anywhere.
For your initial post, discuss who you believe to be at the highest risk for MRSA outside the health care environment? Explain. Discuss the common fomites or transmission factors involved as well as the preventative measures the public can do to reduce or prevent MRSA infections.
For your reply post, expand on your peer’s ideas by sharing examples from your own experience or readings, suggesting outside resources to support the topic, and/or asking furthering questions to dig deeper into the topic.
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 06 Discussion
Microbial Transmission Routes in Hospitals
Hospitals and other health care settings will often implement Transmission-Based Precautions to prevent or help reduce the spread of infections to health care workers, as well other patients in their care. These Transmission-Based Precautions are designed to supplement standard precautions in patients/residents with documented or suspected infection/colonization of highly transmissible or epidemiologically important pathogens. The three categories of Transmission-Based Precautions include:
Contact Precautions
Droplet Precautions
Airborne Precautions
For your initial post, choose one of the Transmission based Precautions listed above to research. Include what the definition of the precaution is, when it would be implemented and what type of personal protective equipment (PPE) a health care worker would be required to wear when coming in contact with a patient under that particular precaution.
For your reply post, expand on your peer’s ideas by sharing examples from your own experience or readings, suggesting outside resources to support the topic, and/or asking furthering questions to dig deeper into the topic.
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 07 Discussion
Microbial Transmission Routes of STIs and STDs
For your initial post, imagine that you are a school nurse tasked with educating middle school/high school students about STIs and STDs. Create a pamphlet or educational handout/flyer that can be provided to students and/or parents educating them about an STI or STD, how the disease is transmitted, how the disease is detected or tested for, signs and symptoms of the disease, and finally, the treatment options available.
If available, include statistical information about infection rates for this disease for your state.
For your reply post, provide feedback on the flyer/handout created by at least one of your peers.
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 08 Discussion
Super Bugs
Many of us have been impacted by outbreaks of disease in our lifetimes.
For your initial post, reflect back over the past decade and recall a news-breaking infectious outbreak of a disease that made an impact on you. Please include a link to a news article or video related to your outbreak in your initial post. Explain how that story changed the way you interacted with people, family, or friends.
For your reply post, expand on your peer’s ideas by sharing stories from your own personal experience with the outbreak.
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 09 Discussion
Over Medicated and Overwhelmed
Antibiotics have saved millions of lives since they were first observed by Pasteur and Koch and later named by Selman Waksman in 1942. Unfortunately, antibiotic resistant microbial strains are becoming more prevalent and therefore making once easily treated infections more difficult to treat.
For your initial discussion post, share your thoughts on three ways that society – not physicians or medical staff – can help to reduce the development of drug resistant microbial strains.
For your reply post, expand on your peer’s ideas by sharing examples from your own experience or readings, suggesting outside resources to support the topic, and/or asking furthering questions to dig deeper into the topic.
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 10 Discussion
Natural Disasters and the Spread of Disease
Every year, natural disasters impact families, communities, nations, and cultures. Whether the natural disaster is a flood, hurricane, tornado, fire or earthquake, it can alter the environment and cause potential health hazards.
For this module’s initial discussion post, research a major national or global disaster that occurred in the last decade. Provide a brief summary of the disaster and explain the common public health risks that occurred as well as potential long-term health risks the victims might be facing. Do you think the type of natural disaster you studied has the highest risk of spreading diseases, or another type of natural disaster? Explain.
For your reply post, expand on your peer’s ideas by sharing examples from your own experience or readings, suggesting outside resources to support the topic, and/or asking furthering questions to dig deeper into the topic.
Due dates for your initial and response posts can be found by checking the Course Syllabus and Course Calendar.
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 11 Discussion
Future of Medicine
Genetic engineering has become a part of our culture and it is difficult to tell the difference between unmodified and genetically modified food sources such as plants and animals. After reading this module’s material regarding vectors in biotechnology, consider the potential for nanotechnology and gene therapy.
For your initial discussion post, research nanotechnology and its potential use in biotechnology. Explain the potential advantages and disadvantages of nanotechnology in health care and discuss whether you would or would not support further research.
For your reply post, expand on your peer’s ideas by sharing examples from your own experience or readings, suggesting outside resources to support the topic, and/or asking furthering questions to dig deeper into the topic.
Due dates for your initial and response posts can be found by checking the Course Syllabus and Course Calendar.
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 1 Homework Assignment
1.Define and briefly describe the different classes of microorganisms(including the terms Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes):
1. Eukaryotes –
a. Algae –
b. Fungi –
c. Protozoans –
2. Prokaryotes –
a. Bacteria –
b. Archae –
3. Viruses –
4. Prions –
2. Define the four main types of organic molecules. Be sure to describe their function and give examples of each
a. Carbohydrates –
b. Proteins –
c. Lipids –
d. Nucleic acids –
3. What does the term PPE stand for? What are common types of PPE that are worn in the lab or hospital setting?
4. Describe two ways in which microorganisms are used in our everyday lives:
5. Identify two different types of staining techniques used with light microscopy. Describe the dyes used in these techniques and why they are used.
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 2 Homework Assignment
•Use the information presented in the module folder along with your readings from the textbook to answer the following questions.
1.Describe four (4) important differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms:
2.Briefly describe the function of the following organelles:
a) Plasma membrane –
b) Glycocalyx –
c) Cell wall –
d) Nucleus –
e) Endoplasmic reticulum –
f) Golgi apparatus –
g) Lysosomes –
h) Ribosomes –
i) Peroxisomes –
j) Mitochondria –
k) Chloroplasts –
3.What is a biofilm? Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of biofilms:
4.Briefly describe the process of aerobic cellular respiration. How does this process differ from anaerobic cellular respiration? How are these processes similar?
5.Briefly describe the difference between eukaryotic cell division and prokaryotic cell division. Be sure to include the name of the processes that each uses to replicate:
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 3 Homework Assignment
•Use the information presented in the module folder along with your readings from the textbook to answer the following questions.
1.Define the following terms: sterilization, disinfection, and sanitization. How are each of these terms different from one another?
2.Compare and contrast selective media and differential media. Give examples of each type of media:
3.Define the following terms used to describe bacterial morphology or bacterial arrangements andgive examples of SPECIFIC organisms that are representatives of each category of MorphologyANDArrangements. For example: an example of a cocci organism is Staphylococcus aureus
a) Morphology:
1. Cocci –
2. Bacilli –
3. Vibrios
4. Spirilla
5. Spirochete–
b) Arrangements:
1. Diplo –
2. Strepto-
3. Staphlo-
4.Describe the four (4) different stages of the bacterial population growth curve:
5. Describe briefly how the following factors influence microbial growth:
a) Temperature
b) pH
c) Osmotic Pressure
d) Atmospheric conditions (presence or absence of oxygen)
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 4 Homework Assignment
•Use the information presented in the module folder along with your readings from the textbook to answer the following questions.
1.Describe the different morphological types of viruses and give examples of each type:
a. Helical
b. Icosahedral
c. Complex
2.Compare and contrast the multiplication of bacteriophages versus the multiplication of animal viruses:
3.Describe how viruses can act as mechanical vectors and biological vectors:
4.Describe five (5) characteristics of fungi and how they differ from other microorganisms:
5.Describe common characteristic of protozoans (protists). Name three (3) protozoans that are human parasites:
6.What are helminths? Name and describe three (3) that can cause problems in humans:
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 5 Homework Assignment
• Use the information presented in the module folder along with your readings from the textbook to answer the following questions.
1.Describe how microbes of the normal flora in the human body can become opportunistic pathogens. Give one (1) example of a normal flora that can become opportunistic in the body:
2.Describe three (3) common bacterial skin infections. Be sure to give the name of the specific organism that causes each and describe some common signs and symptoms of each:
3.Describe three (3) common fungal infections (mycoses) of the skin. Be sure to give the name of the specific organism that causes each and describe some common signs and symptoms of each:
4.Describe three (3) different types of respiratory infections caused by bacteria. Be sure to give the name of the specific organism that causes each and describe some common signs and symptoms of each:
5.Discuss the difference between emerging infectious diseases and reemerging infectious diseases. Give examples of each.
6.Briefly discuss and describe three (3) common viral respiratory infections. Be sure to give the name of the specific virus that causes each as well as some signs and symptoms for each:
7.Describe three (3) common fungal respiratory infectionsand the name of the specific organism that causes them as well as some signs and symptoms for each:
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 6 Homework Assignment
• Use the information presented in the module folder along with your readings from the textbook to answer the following questions.
1.Differentiate between bacterial infection and bacterial intoxication.
2.Discuss the importance of E. coli as part of our intestinal flora.
3. Describe three (3) different types of gastrointestinal diseases caused by bacteria. Be sure to give the name of the specific organism that causes each, describe some common signs and symptoms and discuss treatment for each disease:
4. Define meningitis.Compare and contrastbetween bacterial and viral meningitis including treatment for each.
5. What is a prion? Describe the impact prions have on the human brain and discuss two prion-associated diseases in humans:
6.What is a vector-borne (vector transmitted) disease? Give an example of a vector borne disease and the vector responsible for causing it:
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 7 Homework Assignment
• Use the information presented in the module folder along with your readings from the textbook to answer the following questions.
1.Describe three (3) functions of a normal healthy body that help prevent the occurrence of UTIs:
2.List two reasons why women are at higher risks for developing UTIs
3.Briefly describe the two-step process used to diagnose UTIs.Which organism is most often responsible for causing UTIs?
4.What is Vaginosis? List some of the members of the normal microflora of the female reproductive organs and discuss factors that may contribute to an abnormal increase in these organisms.
5.Describe and explain the primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary stages of syphilis:
6.Explain why a person with AIDS is more susceptible to opportunistic infections. What diseases or conditions might a person with HIV or AIDS be more susceptible to?
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 8 Homework Assignment
• Use the information presented in the module folder along with your readings from the textbook to answer the following questions.
1.What are the different portals of entry for a pathogen to enter the body?
2.Define the following disease categories:
1. Endemic –
2. Sporadic –
3. Epidemic –
4. Pandemic –
3.Describe thedifference between innate immunity and adaptive immunity. Which type of immunity is specific and typically longer lasting?
4.Differentiate between active and passive types of immunity. Which type of immunity is long lasting and which is short lasting?
5.Discuss the five (5)different classes of vaccines used in active immunity.
6.Define and differentiate between hypersensitivity reactions and autoimmune disease.Gives an example of hypersensitivity reaction and an example of an autoimmune disease:
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 9 Homework Assignment
•Use the information presented in the module folder along with your readings from the textbook to answer the following questions.
1.Explain and differentiate between sterilization and commercial sterilization. What organism does commercial sterilization aim to destroy?
2.Describe three (3) differentphysical methods of controlling microbial growth:
3.Describe three (3) different chemical methods of controlling microbial growth:
4.Briefly summarize the 4 (four) different Biosafety levels. Give examples of microorganisms studied in each level:
5.What is the Kirby Bauer Disc diffusion method? How it is used to determine antibiotic efficacy?
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 10 Homework Assignment
•Use the information presented in the module folder along with your readings from the textbook to answer the following questions.
1.Compare the difference between a point mutation and a frameshift mutation:
2.Describe the different between vertical gene transfer and horizontal gene transfer:
3.What is conjugation? How can it contribute to antibiotic resistance in microorganisms?
4.What is a Healthcare-associated infection (HAI) or nosocomial infection? How is this different from an iatrogenic disease? How are these diseases contracted? Give examples of each type:
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 05 Quiz
Question 1 Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are caused by
Answers:
Flavoviruses
Virusoids
Prions
Orthomyxoviruses
Question 2 All of the following viruses can cause the common cold except
Answers:
Coronaviruses
Adenovirus
Herpesviruses
Rhinoviruses
Question 3 Viruses that infect bacteria are called _______.
Answers:
E. coli
lytic viruses
naked viruses
Bacteriophages
Question 4 Rod-shaped bacteria, some of which are endospore forming, are referred to as
Answers:
Cocci
Bacilli
Spirals
Vibrios
Question 5 Beadlike chains of cocci formed after cell division along a single axis are called
Answers:
Diplococci
Streptococci
Tetrads
staphlococci
Question 6 Microorganisms that show optimal growth in moderate temperatures (between 20° C and 45° C) are called
Answers:
Thermophiles
Psychrophiles
Mesophiles
Psychrotrophs
Question 7 Toxoplasma gondii belongs to which group of eukaryotic organisms?
Answers:
Algae
Fungi
Protozoans
Helminths
Question 8 Legionella, Thiobacillus and Burkholderia are examples of
Answers:
Facultative anaerobic gram-negative rods
Gram-negative aerobic rods
Spirochetes
Anaerobic gram-negative cocci
Question 9 Organisms that require or are tolerant of salt concentrations in their environment are called:
Answers:
psychrophiles
aerobes
halophiles
heterotrophs
Question 10 Damage that can occur to the host cell as a result of viral infection include:
Answers:
lysis
altered cell shape
detachment from tissue surface
all answers are
Question 11 The so-called “red tide” is generally caused by which of the following organisms?
Answers:
Lichens
Bacteria
Diatoms
Algae
Question 12 Staphylococci and streptococci are best classified in the group of
Answers:
Gram-positive cocci
Gram-negative cocci
Gram-negative aerobic rods and cocci
Anaerobic gram-negative cocci
Question 13 Fungi and some protozoa produce a compound called _____ which strengthens the cell membranes
Answers:
cholesterol
ergosterol
hopanoids
estrogen
Question 14 The subgroup of fungi that are used as food(edible mushrooms, morels, and truffles) are called
Answers:
Basidiomycota
Ascomycota
Lichens
Zygomycota
Question 15 The sequence of stages in the multiplication of animal viruses is
Answers:
attachment, penetration, uncoating, biosynthesis, assembly, release
penetration, attachment, assembly, uncoating, biosynthesis, release
attachment, uncoating, penetration, biosynthesis, assembly, release
penetration, uncoating, adsorption, biosynthesis, assembly, release
Question 16 The causative agent for Lyme disease is a
Answers:
Spirillium
Spirochete
Vibrio
Diplococcus
Question 17 The viruses that cause chickenpox, shingles, and mononucleosis belong to which family of DNA viruses?
Answers:
Herpesviridae
Papovaviridae
Adenoviridae
Poxviridae
Question 18 Fungi are free-living _________ organisms.
Answers:
Autotrophic
Chemotrophic
Heterotrophic
Phototrophic
Question 19 The stage of the growth curve where the bacteria are producing molecules necessary for cell division, but not undergoing cell division is called the ___________
Answers:
death phase
logarithmic phase
stationary phase
lag phase
Question 20 Viruses can infect
Answers:
Plants
Bacteria
Animals
All organisms
Question 21 Bacteria that use organic compounds as the source of both carbon and energy are referred to as
Answers:
Photoautotrophs
Chemoautotrophs
Photoheterotrophs
Chemoheterotrophs
Question 22 Parasitic organisms that spend most of their time in a mammalian host are called ________
Answers:
protozoans
fungi
helminths
algae
Question 23 Bacteria that use oxygen, but only at a low concentration, are classified as
Answers:
Obligate aerobes
Microaerophiles
Obligate anaerobes
Aerotolerant anaerobes
Question 24Bacterial replication is accomplished primarily by
Answers:
Mitosis
Meiosis
Cytokinesis
Binary fission
Question 25 The antibiotics penicillin and cephalosporin are produced by
Answers:
Algae
Slime molds
Fungi
Protozoans
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Final Exam
Question 1
Which of the following cannot be and should not be treated with antibiotics?
Answers:
Strep throat
Tuberculosis
Common cold
Diphtheria
Question 2
Complex communities of microorganisms on surfaces are called
Answers:
Colonies
Biofilms
Biospheres
Flora
Question 3
All of the following are nitrogen-fixing bacteria except
Answers:
Cyanobacteria
Staphylococcus
Rhizobium
Azotobacter
Question 4
Legionella, Thiobacillus and Burkholderia are examples of
Answers:
Facultative anaerobic gram-negative rods
Gram-negative aerobic rods
Spirochetes
Anaerobic gram-negative cocci
Question 5
A complication of influenza that can occur in children and adolescents is a condition known as
Answers:
Reye Syndrome
Rheumatic fever
Mononucleosis
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Question 6
Toxoplasmosis is caused by the organism Toxoplasma gondii, which is a
Answers:
Bacterium
Protozoan
Virus
Fungus
Question 7
The only currently known STI that is transmitted by a protozoan is
Answers:
Giardiasis
Malaria
Trichomoniasis
Syphilis
Question 8
Which of the following is the causative agent for fungal meningitis, mostly in immunocompromised patients?
Answers:
Trypanosoma brucei
Listeria meningitis
Cryptococcus neoformans
Trypanosoma cruzi
Question 9
Tuberculosis is caused by an organism of the genus
Answers:
Klebsiella
Bordetella
Chlamydia
Mycobacterium
Question 10
Infections that may result from the use of catheters are classified as
Answers:
Iatrogenic infections
Local infections
Exogenous infections
Endogenous infections
Question 11
Vaginal infections that are resulting from an overgrowth of normal flora are called
Answers:
Endogenous infections
Chronic infections
Iatrogenic infections
Fatal infections
Question 12
The destruction of all microorganisms and their endospores is referred to as
Answers:
Disinfection
Degermation
Sanitization
Sterilization
Question 13
The degree or extent of disease-evoking power that a microorganism has is referred to as
Answers:
Virulence
Strength
Resistance
Competence
Question 14
Diagnosis of a UTI is a two-stage process that involves:
Answers:
collecting a urine sample and testing for antibiotic susceptibility of the organism
exploratory surgery and radiation therapy
collecting a blood sample and conducting a physical examination of the bladder
modifying the diet of the patient and conducting a physical examination of the urethra
Question 15
The toxic condition caused by the multiplication of bacteria in the blood is referred to as
Answers:
Bacteremia
Septicemia
Shock
Bloodborne infection
Question 16
The term bacteriostatic means that bacteria
Answers:
Are killed by the antimicrobial drug
Show continuous growth
No longer can multiply
No longer cause disease
Question 17
Rod-shaped bacteria, some of which are endospore forming, are referred to as
Answers:
Cocci
Bacilli
Spirals
Vibrios
Question 18
Which of the following organelles contain oxidative enzymes capable of oxidizing toxic substances?
Answers:
Mitochondria
Chloroplasts
Lysosomes
Peroxisomes
Question 19
Which of the following sites of the human body does not have a normal flora?
Answers:
Intestine
Skin
Vagina
Blood
Question 20
Which of the following is NOT a common characteristic used in the selection of an antimicrobial drug?
Answers:
Selective toxicity
Ease of delivery to the site of infection
Ability to administer intravenously
Potential for allergic reaction
Question 21
A relationship between organisms in which the waste product of one provides nutrients for another is called
Answers:
Mutualism
Competition
Synergism
Commensalism
Question 2
Which of the following is not considered to be a vehicle transmission?
Answers:
Airborne
Insect
Foodborne
Bodily fluid
Question 23
Strep throat is caused by which of the following organisms?
Answers:
Streptococcus pyogenes
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Streptococcus agalactiae
Streptococcus faecalis
Question 24
The three types of hepatitis virus that can be transmitted through sexual activity are
Answers:
A, B, and C
B, C, and D
A, B, and D
A, C, and D
Question 25
All of the following areas of the human body contain normal flora except
Answers:
Peritoneum
Urethra
Vagina
Mouth
Question 26
Giardiasis is a waterborne gastrointestinal disease caused by Giardia intestinalis, which is a(n)
Answers:
Protozoan
Bacterium
Fungus
Virus
Question 27
Beadlike chains of cocci formed after cell division along a single axis are called
Answers:
Diplococci
Streptococci
Tetrads
staphlococci
Question 28
Botulism is a disease caused by the production of a potent neurotoxin by bacteria of the genus
Answers:
Staphylococcus
Klebsiella
Salmonella
Clostridium
Question 29
The group of organisms that includes yeasts and molds are known as _______
Answers:
Algae
Bacteria
Fungi
Viruses
Question 30
The latent stage of syphilis, which may last for years, can occur ________.
Answers:
Between the secondary and tertiary stages
Between the primary and secondary stages
Between the initial and primary stages
At any stage of the disease
Question 31
Which of the following org
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