BioSc 321 Pathogenic Microbiology
Exam 1
Due 9/18/2003
We discussed a new system for characterizing emerging and re-emerging disease agents (new-new, new-old,
old-new, and old-old). Other than the organisms in Table 1-1, name one additional example of EACH
category and explain why you placed it in that particular category.
Numerous molecular techniques have been developed to identify bacterial pathogens. Select an appropriate
technique for identifying a “new” bacterial pathogen that is causing an outbreak of pneumonia and explain
your reason for choosing that technique. Would the same technique be used to track the transmission of the
organism once it has been isolated, cultured and identified? Why or why not? If not, suggest and alternative
technique and explain your reason for using that technique.
Many aspects of modern living are associated with increased incidences of infectious disease such as
increased incidences of Lyme disease resulting from building houses in areas frequented by wild animals.
Describe five other examples of modern “conveniences” impacting infectious disease.
Describe “sloppy feeding”. What would you expect to find in the “remnants” of sloppy feeding? What
advantage does the host derive from having phagocytic cells that are “sloppy feeders”?
Helicobacter pylori has been proven to cause gastric ulcers. One factor that may be critical for virulence of H.
pylori may be it’s acid tolerance. An outer membrane protein (OmpX) of H. pylori is believed to impart acid
tolerance in this organism. Describe how a molecular version of Koch’s Postulates may be used to verify that
OmpX is a virulence factor of H. pylori. (Assume that there is a mouse model for studying H. pylori
virulence.)
Describe septic shock and explain the mechanism that leads to septic shock.
What causes neutropenia and what is the impact of neutropenia on infectious diseases?
Complete the table below by predicting the effects of a complete deficiency of each of the complement
proteins listed at the top of the chart on the activities shown in the left hand column. Use the notation N = no
inhibition; P = partial inhibition; C = complete inhibition.
C1 C3 C4 C5 C9
Activation of alternative C3 convertase
Activation of classical C3 convertase
Activation of alternative C5 convertase
Activation of classical C5 convertase
Complement-mediated phagocytosis
Complement-mediated inflammation
Complement-mediated lysis
Factor B
C1INH