Pathogens
The Centers for Disease Control has contacted you and other microbiologists to review a recent increase in the number of meningitis cases in your city. The director of the organization is requesting information regarding to the various types of microorganisms which can cause meningitis. For the module 2 case assignment: 1. There are three types of pathogens that cause meningitis. Briefly describe each type and then select either a bacterial, fungal, or viral pathogen capable of producing menigitis in humans to answer the remaining questions for this case study. Provide the statistics on the prevalence of each type of meningitis in your local county and state. NOTE: Consider using resources provided through the CDC, or local health organization. If you are in an international location, you will need to use the World Health Organization (WHO) to acquire this information or you can use your home town as your research topic. 2. Describe the general characteristics and structure of the pathogen. 3. Describe in detail the pathogenenic process. (How does the microbe produce menigitis?) 4. What are the risk factors for infection with this pathogen. 5. What are the common methods used to diagnose infection? 6. Do these pathogens cause any other diseases? 7. List any preventative measures to protect against infection with each microbe. Note: The assignment will require you to engage in independent research. Case Assignment Expectations Length: Case Assignment Module assignments should be at least 2-4 pages (400-800 words) in length. References: At least two references should be included from academic sources (e.g. peer-reviewed journal articles). Required readings are included. Quoted material should not exceed 10% of the total paper (since the focus of these assignments is critical thinking). Use your own words and build on the ideas of others. When material is copied verbatim from external sources, it MUST be enclosed in quotes. The references should be cited within the text and also listed at the end of the assignment in the References section (preferably in APA format). Organization: Subheadings should be used to organize your paper according to question Format: APA format is recommended (but not required) for this assignment. See Syllabus page for more information on APA format. Grammar and Spelling: While no points are deducted, assignments are expected to adhere to standards guidelines of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence syntax. Points may be deducted if grammar and spelling impact clarity. The following items will be assessed in particular: Relevance (e.g. all content is connected to the question) Precision (e.g. specific question is addressed. Statements, facts, and statistics are specific and accurate). Depth of discussion (e.g. present and integrate points that lead to deeper issues) Breadth (e.g. multiple perspectives and references, multiple issues/factors considered) Evidence (e.g. points are well-supported with facts, statistics and references) Logic (e.g. presented discussion makes sense, conclusions are logically supported by premises, statements, or factual information) Clarity (e.g. writing is concise, understandable, and contains sufficient detail or examples) Objectivity (e.g. avoid use of first person and subjective bias)
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Introduction
Pathogens are disease causing micro-organisms. They are minute organisms which can be simply defined as germs that have the effect of causing an illness in the body of a human being. Pathogens are classified in various categories. The most common disease causing pathogens are bacteria, virus and fungi (Tunkel, 2009). This discussion takes a brief look at the three pathogens and the role they play in causing meningitis. Among the issues of discussion in the paper is the process of infection and possible measures of prevention.
Meningitis
Meningitis is a disease that affects one of the membranes in the body known as meninges. The main role of this membrane is to offer protection to the central nervous. Meningitis takes various forms. The most common forms of meningitis as aforementioned are viral, bacterial and fungal meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is caused by different types of bacteria and is considered to be highly severe (Brian, 2010).
The main types of the pathogen that cause bacterial meningitis include Neisseria meningitides, streptococcus and haemophilus influenza. This type of meningitis is spread through fluids and discharges from the throat or nose of an infected person. Viral meningitis is more common compared to other forms of meningitis (Brian, 2010). However, is hardly serious and such a case does not necessarily require treatment. This form of meningitis is mainly caused by virus found in mosquitoes. Fungal meningitis is not as common as the first two. Very few cases of this type of infection are reported. Fungal meningitis is seen as an opportunistic disease and targets people whose immune systems are already weak.
Bacterial Meningitis
It is the most fatal of all forms of meningitis and when treated in time can lead to death. Patients who suffer from bacterial meningitis are also at a high risk of developing other health complications. Such complications includ...