Characteristics of the Measles Virus
science
Description
Measles virus
Format (2pts): 2 pages with one inch margins, single spaced, Arial or
Helvetica font 12, divide the report into the following sub sections
listed below.
General Characteristics (6pts): includes information on cell
morphology and other general features of the organism (for example:
gram status, motility, intracellular pathogen, spore former, anaerobic
etc). Some pathogens may have been previously classified under a
different name or are still commonly referred to as a different name,
make sure to include this information. For viruses, describe the viral
particle, including features such as symmetry, whether an RNA or a
DNA virus, the genomic structure etc.
Encounter (4pts): Where is the organism found, including reservoirs,
how do we encounter it.
Disease Presentation (5pts): Describe all diseases associated with the
pathogen and infection. Be specific and thorough.
Entry, Spread, Multiplication/replication, Damage (10pts):
Describe how the pathogen enters the host, how it persists, strategies
for evasion of host immune defenses and survival, what is resultant
damage to host cells/tissues.
Virulence Factors/pathogenicity (7pts): Describe in detail the major
virulence factors utilized by this pathogen. Some pathogens may have
many so pick the most important and well studied. Others may not be
as well characterized, describe what is known. For viruses, talk about
the viral (or host associated) strategy to evade the immune system,
and to take over the host cell. Talk about latency or other mechanisms
of pathogenesis.
Prevention, Treatment (4pts): Describe any preventative therapies (eg
vaccine if available) or treatments that are used to effectively treat
infection.
Recent literature (10pts): Briefly summarize the most recent few
papers (2-3) on the pathogen, could include a description of a virulence
factor, a new treatment or case studies describing the incidence of
disease. Make sure to include these papers in your cited References.
References (2pts): Basically a Bibliography of the references you
have used to complete this report. Include websites and primary
papers.
