The discussion is based on the textbook readings from Microbiology (2016). Once you have completed your assigned readings (see Unit Overview page) and your assigned activities for this unit, please answer the prompt below:
- Pick one bacterial, one viral, and one eukaryotic pathogen (for a total of three organisms) of the skin, eye, respiratory, and/or urogenital systems. Discuss the following for your three chosen organisms:
- Modes of transmission
- Virulence factors
- Associated diseases
Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!
Step-by-Step Guide for Writing Your Microbiology Discussion Post
Step 1: Understand the Assignment Requirements
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You are required to pick three organisms: one bacterial, one viral, and one eukaryotic pathogen.
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Each organism must come from the skin, eye, respiratory, or urogenital systems.
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You must discuss:
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Modes of transmission – how the pathogen spreads.
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Virulence factors – the pathogen’s tools for causing disease.
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Associated diseases – illnesses the pathogen causes.
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Base your post on the Microbiology (2016) textbook readings and any credible supplemental sources.
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Include APA in-text citations and a reference list.
Step 2: Select Your Organisms
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Choose one pathogen from each category:
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Bacterial example: Staphylococcus aureus (skin infections)
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Viral example: Herpes simplex virus (skin and urogenital infections)
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Eukaryotic example: Candida albicans (fungal infections of skin, mouth, or genitals)
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Step 3: Research Each Organism
For each pathogen, collect information on:
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Modes of transmission
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Direct contact, droplets, sexual contact, fomites, vectors, etc.
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Virulence factors
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Toxins, adhesins, enzymes, immune evasion mechanisms, etc.
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Associated diseases
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Name diseases caused by the organism and briefly describe symptoms or outcomes.
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Step 4: Structure Your Discussion Post
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Introduction (1 paragraph)
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Introduce your focus on microbial pathogens of specific systems.
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State that you will discuss one bacterial, one viral, and one eukaryotic pathogen.
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Body (3 sections, 1 for each organism)
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Bacterial Pathogen Section:
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Name the bacterium.
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Discuss transmission, virulence factors, and diseases.
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Include in-text citations.
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Viral Pathogen Section:
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Name the virus.
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Discuss transmission, virulence factors, and diseases.
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Include in-text citations.
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Eukaryotic Pathogen Section:
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Name the eukaryotic organism.
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Discuss transmission, virulence factors, and diseases.
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Include in-text citations.
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Conclusion (1 paragraph)
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Summarize key points about how transmission, virulence, and diseases vary across pathogen types.
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Optionally, mention the importance of understanding these differences in clinical or public health contexts.
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Step 5: Writing Tips
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Use clear, professional language and complete sentences.
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Avoid unnecessary jargon; explain terms if they are advanced.
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Keep your post concise but informative (roughly 2–3 paragraphs per pathogen).
Step 6: APA Formatting
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Use Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced.
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Include in-text citations after facts or information from your textbook or sources.
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Provide a reference list at the end in APA format.
Step 7: References and Credible Sources
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Textbook: Tortora, G. J., Funke, B. R., & Case, C. L. (2016). Microbiology: An Introduction (12th ed.). Pearson.
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Supplementary sources (if needed):
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CDC – Infectious Diseases: https://www.cdc.gov
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PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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Step 8: Final Checks
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Ensure all pathogens are covered with the three required elements (transmission, virulence, diseases).
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Check grammar, spelling, and APA formatting.
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Make sure your post demonstrates understanding of microbiology concepts.
Remember! It’s just a sample. Our professional writers will write a unique paper for you.
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