Purpose:
The purpose of the paper is to enhance student understanding of the concepts of microbiology and how
microorganisms interact with their host by applying these concepts to a specific microorganism. Additionally,
this assignment serves as an artifact showing that students have demonstrated achieving the competency on
scientific literacy. General Education Competency 6 states: Learners will gain the ability to read with
understanding scientific content and engage in dialogue about scientific issues.
Introduction:
The Microorganism Profile Paper requires the ability to apply scientific knowledge that you acquire both
inside and outside the microbiology classroom. You will also be required to communicate your knowledge of
microbiological concepts by written means. You will construct a comprehensive profile of a microorganism
that you are assigned by the faculty using the guidance document below. This microorganism is a pathogen
that you may encounter in your nursing career. As you progress through the paper, you will be asked to
provide written explanations of microbiological concepts in your own words. All written answers are
expected to meet accepted standards for grammar, syntax, and punctuation, and the paper will be submitted
in APA format. Proper microbiology terminology is also expected. The completed paper is to be submitted
electronically via the Assignment Drop Box in Canvas in week 9.
The Big Picture:
As you progress through this course, you will acquire information in a sequential, topic-specific manner. Each
topic will include information that is relevant to this assignment. For example, the knowledge you gain from
the lesson on bacterial cell morphology will be applied to the first paper topic, “Cell Morphology and Growth
Requirements.” Your answers are expected to include information from sources that go beyond the textbook
or classroom. Examples include peer-reviewed journal articles, interviews with clinicians who deal with
microbes daily, personal experiences, and other reputable sources. You are expected to clearly understand the
meaning of each topic before you construct your answer. For example, you are expected to know the meaning
of “epidemiology” and to understand the topics that are connected to it. Don’t forget to read and understand
the rubric before you start. Refer to it often: it will help guide you through the process.
1. Introduction
a. Type of pathogen
b. Name of pathogen, relevant family name, and proper binomial nomenclature
c. Is the pathogen transmissible or opportunistic (part of the normal flora)
d. Associated infections/diseases
2. Structure of Assigned Pathogen
a. Describe morphology of pathogen
b. Appropriate visualization technique (staining and microscopy)
c. Describe any relevant virulence factors
3. Interaction between Microbe and Host Immune System
a. Describe relevant innate responses
b. Describe relevant adaptive responses
c. Do not discuss vaccines here.
4. Infectious Disease Information
a. Describe the infectious disease caused by the microbe including:
i. Conditions including sign and symptoms
ii. Duration
iii. Complications
iv. Predisposing factors
v. Is it opportunistic
5. Principles of Epidemiology
a. Incidence and Prevalence of disease (age, location, time of year)
b. Reservoirs, Mode of Transmission, Portals of Exit and Entrance
c. If relevant, is the disease classified as endemic, epidemic, pandemic.
d. Is this a reportable disease. Explain why.
6. Prevention
a. Appropriate PPE
b. Lifestyle, hygiene, and environmental factors
c. Any relevant vaccines or prophylactic medications
7. Treatment
a. Discuss relevant pharmacological agents and supportive treatments
b. Are there any incidences of antimicrobial resistance?
8. Clinical Relevance
a. What critical information should a nurse know about this pathogen if it presents in their
practice?
9. Concluding Summary
a. All high-quality academic papers conclude by summarizing the main points.
Other requirements
4-6 written pages not including Title and Reference pages
No Abstract needed
APA formatted
Minimum of four scholarly references
Quotations are not allowed. Quotes are not acceptable in scientific papers. Work should be
paraphrased in your own words.
