Discuss an example of a pathogen
In your reading this week, you have learned about the body’s defense mechanisms, problems of the immune system and various infectious diseases. In this assignment, you will discuss an example of a pathogen, a disease causing-organism. You will explore how the pathogen causes harm, how it is transmitted from person to person, how it is studied so that steps can be taken to hold it in check. Additionally, you will explore the mechanisms your body has in place to protect you from infectious diseases and cancer.
You have been invited by your local community health department to give a PowerPoint presentation on a disease-causing organism. Your goal is to educate your audience about the pathogen, the disease it causes, means for early detection, and preventative measures. The meeting will take place at the health department during a community health fair. Be mindful that your target audience will be composed of people from the local community who most likely will not have a background in science or medicine.
Your assignment will be to pick one pathogen that affects humans. You should not select SARS-CoV-2. In your presentation, you should discuss each of the following:
- Identify the selected pathogen. Note that this slide should introduce the pathogen or causative agent not the disease it causes.
- Describe to the audience the major characteristics of this pathogen. Your description should identify whether the pathogen is a bacteria, virus, protozoan, fungus, parasitic worm, or prion.
- Describe how this pathogen infects the host.
- Identify the life-cycle, source, or reservoir for this pathogen.
- Address the mode of transmission for the pathogen (how the pathogen spreads).
- Identify the specific cells, organs, or organ systems affected by this pathogen.
- Include pictures and/or illustrations of the pathogen, its life cycle or mode of transmission.
- Discuss the disease(s) caused by this pathogen. Ensure that you describe the major signs and symptoms of the disease.
- Describe any risk factors related to the disease (e.g., age, sex, personal habits, geographic location, or any factors shared by people with symptoms of the condition).
- Describe how the disease is detected and diagnosed.
- Describe how the disease is treated.
- Identify any preventative measures that can be taken to reduce spread of the disease.
- What mechanisms does our body have in place to protect us from pathogens and prevent the development of cancer? Provide a thorough description of these mechanisms.
- Provide a summary of the most interesting fact you learned from researching this pathogen.
- Include speaker notes for each slide. The speaker notes should provide a thorough explanation of the information presented in each slide. The speaker notes should be a “script” of what you will say to your audience. Each slide should have a picture and/or bullet points. Your notes should be located in the notes section below the slide, with the specific talking points you will deliver to the audience.
- Include a reference slide with references listed in APA format.
Your PowerPoint presentation should be written with your audience in mind. Remember, your audience does not have a science or medical background, so you will need to translate any “jargon” into something that they will understand.
The presentation should be between 10–15 slides, not including the title and references slides.
Creating an Effective PowerPoint Presentation
An effective PowerPoint presentation will include:
- Have approximately 10–15 slides,
- An introduction (1–2 slides): bulleted list of background and key points,
- A body: multiple slides (10–11 slides), each with one key point,
- A conclusion (1 slide): bulleted list of major points,
- A reference slide in APA,
- Include in-text citations (in APA) where applicable,
- Use images (with citations),
- Ensure that slides are brief and bulleted, and
- Include speaker notes below each respective slide, outlining exactly what you would say to an audience as you presented it.
Note: The Writing Center has excellent resources that will help you in creating your presentation. You can start with the Effective PowerPoint presentation guide. Additionally, you should take advantage of the resources available in the Science Center such as APA Formatting in PowerPoint.
Requirements: 10 slides
Answer preview to Discuss an example of a pathogen
12 slides