Parasitology 3: Tissue-invasive parasites
Learning goals Contrast the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnosis of cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis Contrast the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection in patients with HIV/AIDS, neonates, and immunocompetent hosts Contrast the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnosis of diseases caused by Trichinella, Toxocara (visceral larva migrans), Taenia solium (cysticercosis), […]
Herpes virus
Learning goals Name the various herpes group viruses (1-8) and identify the most common clinical presentation for each, including risk factors and features from history and physical examination Correlate the pathogenesis of acute, latent, and reactivation stages for herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and describe the clinical manifestations and possible complications of […]
Hepatitis
Learning goals Differentiate the viral structure, mode of transmission, epidemiology, and risk of chronic infection for viral hepatitis caused by hepatitis A, B, C, D and E Use clinical presentation and laboratory testing, including serology and molecular testing (PCR), to distinguish acute infection, chronic infection, resolved infection, and post-vaccination for hepatitis A, B, and C […]
Introduction to viruses
High-yield summary Viral structure and classification All viruses contain genetic material (DNA or RNA, never both) and a protein capsid. Some viruses have an envelope derived from the host cell membrane. Classification by genetic material: DNA viruses (e.g., Herpesviridae, Adenoviridae) and RNA viruses (e.g., Orthomyxoviridae, Retroviridae). Baltimore Classification groups viruses based on their replication strategy […]
Parasitology 2: GI helminths
Learning goals Compare and contrast the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of common intestinal roundworms and tapeworms including Enterobius, Ascaris, Ancylostoma (hookworm), Strongyloides, Taenia solium, Echinococcus, and Diphyllobothrium Describe the pathogenesis and type of anemia related to heavy hookworm infections Describe the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical features of Strongyloides hyperinfection Compare and contrast […]
Introduction to vaccines
High-yield summary Types of vaccines Live Attenuated: Replicates, broad immune response, contraindicated in immunocompromised and pregnancy Inactivated: No replication, safer for immunocompromised and pregnancy Polysaccharide and Conjugate: Capsule-targeted, age-dependent response, T-cell independent/dependent Protein Subunit: Toxoids, VLPs, recombinant proteins Viral Vector: Recombinant expression in vivo, adenovirus/VSV Nucleic Acid: mRNA/DNA vaccines, e.g., COVID-19 vaccines  Immunology and […]
Infectious diseases that target red blood cells
High-yield summary Plasmodium (protozoa that causes malaria) Transmitted by female Anopheles mosquito. Lifecycle includes liver (exoerythrocytic) and blood (erythrocytic) stages. Vivax and P. ovale form dormant hypnozoites in liver—cause relapses. Falciparum infects all RBC stages—highest parasitemia and severity. Symptoms (fever, chills) correlate with RBC rupture during schizont release.  Diagnosis of malaria Thick smear: Screening […]
Parasitology 1: Introduction and gastrointestinal protozoa
Learning goals Describe and give examples of a definitive host, an intermediate host, a dead-end host, and an incidental host Classify parasites into five primary types and then organize them into secondary groupings based on morphology, motility, and major organ systems they affect Describe four modes of transmission for parasites to enter a human host […]
Acute infectious diarrhea
Learning goals Compare and contrast the microbiologic etiologies of common infectious causes of watery diarrhea, inflammatory diarrhea, and toxin-mediated diarrhea Compare and contrast the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and microbiology of Vibrio cholerae, pathogenic Escherichia coli, Campylobacter jejuni, and non-typhoidal salmonella Describe the bacteriology, pathophysiology, complications and management of pseudomembranous colitis (Clostridioides difficile) Required pre-class materials E.Flo […]
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Urethritis, cervicitis, vaginitis, and PID
Learning goals Compare the epidemiology, microbiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentations, and potential complications for Chlamydia trachomatis serovars D-K and Neisseria gonorrhoeae Compare the epidemiology, microbiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentations, and potential complications for yeast vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis Describe the approach to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in patients presenting with urethritis, cervicitis, vaginitis, and pelvic inflammatory […]