This course will focus on mechanisms by which microbes cause diseases and ways in which hosts respond and fight the infectious agents. Structure to function relationship of pathogenic determinants in various bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoan pathogens will be described. Evolution of pathogens and emerging infectious diseases, response of pathogens to specific cues in the environment, and virulence strategies and their regulatory mechanisms will be analyzed. Clinical case studies and primary research articles will be discussed with special emphasis on understanding the principle and application of specific techniques that are used to study pathogens and pathogenesis. This course includes a lab period.

Offered: Alternating Fall

Three hours lecture, three hours lab