Notes of a High Distinction Student: Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Assignment title: Is it Bird Flu or Human Flu Subject: Medical Microbiology and Immunology Mark:  8/10 lost two points for needing more specific information and missing the websites on the reference list. Criteria Identify the pathogen(s) involved.  Outline the type of immune defenses that might be operating. How does the pathogen enter the body, cause disease and how is it transmitted? What is the outcome of the infection? How is the disease diagnosed? What strategies exist (if any) to control the infection? References Is it Bird Flu or Human Flu? The Enemy - Microbes Avian Influenza A, also known as H5N1 or Bird Flu, is an enzootic member of the orthomyxoviridae family, representing an enveloped, ssRNA viral molecule, with surface hemagglutinin and neuraminidase surface glycoproteins. (1) The Defence - Host Disease H5N1 is more prevalent in birds in China, Asia, Europe and Africa, however, mutations have crossed the animal to human barrier causin...