The Microorganism Profile Paper requires the ability to apply scientific knowledge that you acquire both inside and outside the microbiology classroom. You will also be required to communicate your knowledge of microbiological concepts by written means. You will construct a comprehensive profile of a microorganism that you are assigned by the faculty using the guidance document below. This microorganism is a pathogen that you may encounter in your nursing career. As you progress through the paper, you will be asked to provide written explanations of microbiological concepts in your own words. All written answers are expected to meet accepted standards for grammar, syntax, and punctuation, and the paper will be submitted in APA format. Proper microbiology terminology is also expected. The completed paper is to be submitied electronically via the Assignment Drop Box in Canvas in week 9.
The Big Picture:
As you progress through this course, you will acquire information in a sequential, topic-specific manner. Each topic will include information that is relevant to this assignment. For example, the knowledge you gain from the lesson on bacterial cell morphology will be applied to the first paper topic, "Cell Morphology and Growth Requirements." Your answers are expected to include information from sources that go beyond the textbook or classroom. Examples include peer-reviewed journal articles, interviews with clinicians who deal with microbes daily, personal experiences, and other reputable sources. You are expected to clearly understand the meaning of each topic before you construct your answer. For example, you are expected to know the meaning of "epidemiology" and to understand the topics that are connected to it. Don't forget to read and understand the rubric before you start. Refer to it often: it will help guide you through the process.
- Introduction Type of pathogen
Name of pathogen, relevant family name, and proper binomial nomenclature
Is the pathogen transmissible or opportunistic (part of the normal flora)
Associated infections/diseases
- Structure of Assigned Pathogen Describe morphology of pathogen
Appropriate visualization technique (staining and microscopy)
Describe any relevant virulence factors
- Interaction between Microbe and Host Immune System
- Interaction between Microbe and Host Immune System
- Describe relevant innate responses Describe relevant adaptive responses
Full Answer Section
- Associated Infections/Diseases:
- Skin and soft tissue infections (e.g., cellulitis, abscesses, impetigo)
- Bacteremia and sepsis
- Pneumonia
- Endocarditis
- Osteomyelitis
- Food poisoning (enterotoxin-mediated)
- Toxic shock syndrome (toxin-mediated)
- MRSA (methicillin-resistant S. aureus) infections
2. Structure of Assigned Pathogen
- Morphology:
- S. aureus is a gram-positive coccus.
- It forms grape-like clusters.
- It is non-motile and non-spore-forming.
- Appropriate Visualization Technique:
- Gram staining: S. aureus stains purple.
- Microscopy: Light microscopy is used to visualize the cocci and their clustering.
- Electron microscopy can be used for detailed structural analysis.
- Relevant Virulence Factors:
- Protein A: Binds to the Fc portion of IgG antibodies, preventing opsonization and phagocytosis.
- Coagulase: Clots plasma, forming a fibrin barrier around the bacteria, protecting it from phagocytosis.
- Toxins:
- Enterotoxins: Cause food poisoning.
- Toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1): Causes toxic shock syndrome.
- Exfoliatin: Causes scalded skin syndrome.
- Hemolysins: Damage red blood cells.
- Surface Proteins (Adhesins): Mediate adherence to host tissues.
- Biofilm Formation: Allows for persistent colonization and resistance to antibiotics.
- Antibiotic Resistance genes: Especially important are the mecA gene which confers resistance to methicillin, and related beta-lactam antibiotics.
3. Interaction between Microbe and Host Immune System
- Relevant Innate Responses:
- Physical Barriers: Skin and mucous membranes act as the first line of defense.
- Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs): Recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) on S. aureus, such as peptidoglycan and lipoteichoic acid.
- Phagocytosis: Neutrophils and macrophages engulf and destroy bacteria.
- Complement System: Activation of the complement cascade leads to opsonization, chemotaxis, and membrane attack complex (MAC) formation.
- Inflammatory Response: Release of cytokines and chemokines recruits immune cells to the site of infection.
- Relevant Adaptive Responses:
- Antibody Production: B cells produce antibodies that target S. aureus antigens, leading to opsonization and neutralization.
- T Cell Activation: CD4+ T cells release cytokines that enhance the immune response. CD8+ T cells can kill infected host cells.
- Memory Cell Formation: Memory B and T cells provide long-term immunity.
Important Notes for the Paper:
- Research Beyond Textbook: Use peer-reviewed journal articles and reputable websites (e.g., CDC, WHO) to support your answers.
- In-Text Citations and References: Use APA format for all citations and references.
- Clarity and Conciseness: Write in a clear and concise manner, using proper microbiology terminology.
- Critical Thinking: Demonstrate your understanding of the concepts by explaining them in your own words.
- Clinical Relevance: Emphasize the clinical significance of S. aureus infections in nursing practice.
- Rubric: Refer to the rubric throughout the writing process.
This framework should give you a solid starting point for your Microorganism Profile Paper. Remember to tailor the information to your specific assigned pathogen and to thoroughly research each section. Good luck!