Microbial Pathogenesis

4.0 credits

The course provides an examination of host-pathogen interactions and details the mechanisms that microbes use to evade the immune response and cause disease. Topics include bacterial colonization, invasion, antigen variation, toxin production and mode of virulence factor action, collectively aimed at providing a molecular level understanding of microbial pathogenesis. Pathogenic fungi are also briefly covered, as are host defense mechanisms. Classes are conducted using a combination of formats: formal lecture, discussion, critical thinking and review of primary literature. (Graduate students must register for MBI 514 seminar). Prerequisites: MBI 220/221