This course covers basic morphologic, cultural, physiologic, and antigenic characteristics of microorganisms with special emphasis on factors pertinent to clinical medicine. Topics include the principles of microbial genetics and chemotherapy; an organ system approach to viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic agents of disease, and their biologic characteristics, natural history, public health importance, course of infection, and host interaction. Laboratory exercises and demonstrations help students develop the microbiologic skills applicable for clinical practice, acquaint students with available diagnostic laboratory tests and their interpretation.
5 credits