Introductory description

This module explores key microparasites, the diseases they cause, and the intricate pathogen–host–environment relationships that shape their biology and control. Using examples from Mycobacterium (tuberculosis) to Plasmodium (malaria), we will investigate biochemical, ecological, and epidemiological factors driving pathogen invasion, persistence, and spread, alongside the host defences they must evade. We cover diagnostic techniques, current control challenges, and emerging solutions, while also reflecting on the historical and societal impact of infectious diseases through the centuries.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

1. Introduction to bacterial pathogens

• Environmental and physiological factors affecting growth and disease potential: temperature tolerance, pH tolerance, acid resistance, oxygen effects.
• Case examples: Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium tetani.

1. Medically important fungi

• Mechanisms of pathogenicity, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Case studies: Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Histoplasma.
  3–4. Mycobacteria
• Diseases caused by slow-growing species (M. ulcerans, leprosy), historical perspectives, treatment challenges, unique genomic and virulence traits.
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis: re-emergence as a global pathogen, HIV association, diagnostic and treatment challenges, multidrug resistance.
  5–6. Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas’ disease)
• Biology of American trypanosomes and their vectors
• Epidemiology of domestic and sylvatic transmission cycles.
• Control strategies: Southern Cone Project and progress toward elimination.
  7–9. African trypanosomes
• Evolutionary biology of human and livestock trypanosomes and their tsetse vectors.
• Diseases: sleeping sickness, nagana, and related livestock infections.
• Important issues such as zoonotic control and maintaining endemic stability alongside tick-borne diseases.
  10–11. Apicomplexan parasites – Malaria
• Life cycle, vector relationships, clinical significance, and pathogenesis.
• Epidemiology and novel control strategies.
  12–13. Spore-forming bacteria
• Biology and structure of bacterial spores; sporulation cycle and triggers.
• Survival strategies in extreme environments.
• Public health concerns; control and decontamination strategies.
• Pathogenic spore-formers: Bacillus anthracis, Clostridium difficile, C. perfringens, C. botulinum.

1. Mechanisms of infection and virulence

• Overview of virulence: adhesins, toxins, secretion systems, immune evasion mechanisms.
• Regulation of virulence gene expression.
• Host–pathogen interactions.

1. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

• Review mechanisms of resistance.
• Global epidemiology of AMR: key pathogens and spread.
• Current and emerging strategies for surveillance, stewardship, and novel therapeutics.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Explain the biology, life cycles, and pathogenic mechanisms of major human pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and their vectors.
• Explain mechanisms of infection, virulence, and antimicrobial resistance, and assess their implications for diagnosis, treatment, and control.
• Analyse the environmental, host, and microbial factors influencing pathogen survival, transmission, and disease progression, with reference to specific case studies.
• Evaluate strategies for disease prevention, surveillance, and intervention based on pathogen biology and epidemiology.
• Assess current and emerging approaches for the diagnosis, treatment, and control of infectious diseases, including novel therapeutics, vaccines, and environmental or vector-based strategies.

Indicative reading list

Madigan, Bender, et al. Eds. Brock Biology of Microorganisms, 15th edn. (Pearson, Benjamin Cummings, 2018). [ISBN 1-292-23510-1]

Mims, et al. Medical Microbiology, updated 3rd edn. (Mosby, 2005). [ISBN 0-323-03575-2]

Murray, Rosenthal and Pfaller. Medical Microbiology, 5th edn. (Mosby, 2005). [ISBN 0-323-03303-2]

Salyers, A. A. and Whitt, D. D. Bacterial Pathogenesis: a Molecular Approach (ASM Press, 2002). [ISBN 1-55581-171-X]

Subject specific skills

By the end of this module, students will have developed skills in:

• Analysing the mechanisms underlying microbial growth, survival, pathogenicity, and host–pathogen–environment interactions.
• Understanding epidemiological and laboratory approaches used to investigate infections, interpreting results, and understanding transmission dynamics.
• Evaluating strategies for the prevention, treatment, and control of infectious diseases, integrating mechanistic knowledge with host and environmental factors.

Transferable skills

• Information literacy – sourcing, evaluating scientific literature to underpin understanding and integrating up-to-date research into in-module assessments.
• Scientific communication – presenting findings clearly in written, and visual formats.
• Critical thinking – exploring complex biological systems to make evidence-based conclusions.