Addresses Course Outcomes #1, #2, #3
recognize the use of the scientific method to weigh evidence, make decisions, and solve problems
apply knowledge of cellular and molecular processes to understand infectious disease mechanisms
synthesize knowledge of microbial pathogenesis and disease prevention methods and communicate this knowledge to the community
- A scientific case study is a short summary of an event or personal experience that ends in a “mystery”—in this case, one that you will solve using your own research and the clues provided within the case study. For this project, you will evaluate a patient-centered case study that explores a mysterious bacterial or viral illness. The case study will include a set of questions to guide your analysis.
- Case Study: Johan is a 45-year-old healthy male who went to his family physician complaining of itchy crusty spots on his face. Upon closer inspection the doctor noticed five surface red flakey lesions ranging from 10-20 mm in size each. Johan mentioned he began putting an antibiotic cream on them when they started to ooze fluid. However, they did not go away and after a week or so the oozing stopped and they crusted over with a yellowish appearance. The doctor took a sample from one of the flakey lesions and did a Gram stain in her office finding Gram positive cocci in a chain arrangement.
- Based on the information presented in the case study, answer the following questions in your paper (see guidelines below for additional info):
What microorganism do you believe is to blame for this illness (full name)? Provide background information on this organism, history, morphology, virulence factors, toxins, etc…
What information from the patient’s symptoms contributed to your decision? What information from the patient’s history and/or lab samples that contributed to your diagnosis? Support your answers with factual evidence and logical reasoning. Identify at least one other logical possible microbial culprit and explain how this was ruled out.
What is the epidemiology of this disease? Identify risk factors for this disease and describe the disease course/outcome in humans.
What steps can be taken to treat the illness? How and why are the treatments effective (or ineffective)? Are there any concerns or other complications of this disease?
- Paper format:
- Once you have gathered the needed information, organize your case study analysis into an essay of 1,000 to 1,500 words.
- Your paper should include the following:
- Format: Double spaced, 12-point font
Title Page (5 points):
Your Full Name, Date
Course, Semester, School name and Professor’s name
Introduction (30 points): Background information about the disease and the bacterial or viral cause of the disease.
Discussion of Case Study (40 points): The answers to the case study questions should be worked into your paper in a logical, well-organized manner. Think of the questions as a guide to help you with the content of your paper. You should NOT simply answer these questions one by one in your paper. Evidence from the case study should clearly and accurately be used to justify your conclusion, and at least one other logical microbial cause should be discussed and excluded based on evidence.
