Unit 4 — Immunology and Epidemiology

Unit 4 covers 4 chapters (Chapters 14,15, 16, and 17) and will introduce you to principles of disease, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and immunology. Although there are 4 chapters in this unit, the material is much less difficult than the previous 2 units.

Chapter 14 — Principles of Disease and Epidemiology :

This chapter will introduce you to the science of epidemiology, or the "how, what, where, and when" of disease transmission.Most is terminology like endemic, pandemic, ID₅₀, LD₅₀, normal flora, etc. Koch's Postulates are covered in this chapter. In addition, the major reservoirs of disease and mechanisms of transmission are presented. Lastly, you will be introduced to EIDs and the MMWR, the major publication on disease prevalence in the US published each week by the CDC.

Chapter 15 — Principles of Pathogenesis :

This chapter will discuss the mechanisms pathogenic organisms use to both enter and colonize body tissue and establish a diseased state. Some of these mechanisms involve physical or chemical components like capsules and LPS (endotoxin). Others secrete enzymes and chemicals to steal nutrients from host cells and tissues. Lastly, we'll briefly review what bacterial plasmids and bacterial viruses play a role in acquiring these mechanisms.

Chapter 16 — Innate Immunity

Immunity is divided into 2 parts; innate immunity or that which you are born with and is non-specific, and acquired or that which you obtain from being sick and recovering from the disease. Chapter 16 covers the first part. This part is further divide into the first and second lines of defense. The first line is primarily made of physical and chemical barriers like the skin and stomach acid, respectively. The second line are chemicals and cells in the circulatory and lymphatic system that combat any foreign cell or particle. These include many WBCs like macrophages and granular leukocytes. Some chemicals found in the 2nd line include complement, interferon, and antimicrobial peptides.

Chapter 17 — Acquired Immunity

The second part of immunity involves acquired immunity. This can be natural or artificial and either active or passive. The active immune system is divided into 2 parts: humoral (blood proteins and the cells that make them) and cellular (T-cells). Both part must function for one to have a complete immune system. Antibodies, their structure and function, are a central concept in this chapter. Also presented are the various types of T-cells ands their function and roles in fighting different kinds of diseases.

READING Assignments :

READING Unit 4 BIOL 2420 F2015.pdf

This Unit is much more straightforward and easier than Units 2 or 3. Study hard and you can make up ground you might have lost in the last 2. Don't FORGET the Microbe Tests.