Immunological defence against microorganisms

A key function of the immune system is the defense against

invading micro-organisms. The immune response starts with
pathogen recognition followed by a regulation step resulting in a
protective immune response. Some responses, however, induce
pathology in the host and some micro-organisms have found ways
to evade the immune system. In this BOWO blok you will formulate
key research questions on a cutting-edge subject on immunology
and infectiology and you will learn how to write a research proposal.
Severe infectious diseases
Only a limited number of micro-organisms are capable of causing
clinical symptoms and only very specific infectious agents may be
life threatening. Reason is that only certain micro-organisms
possess virulence factors that are capable to interfere with the host.
Usually these virulence factors interfere in a specific way with the
host disturbing the normal physiology. Host defense/ response plays
a crucial role thereby as well. Result is a typical clinical syndrome
and health professionals should be able to recognize and
understand these syndromes. Insight in the pathobiology also helps
to understand the course of the infection. Some diseases are
immediate life threatening and short lasting while others are more
chronic disabling diseases. Exposure to certain micro-organism
differs on a global scale and between the community or the hospital
setting. The importance of the environmental context will
specifically highlighted in the elective.
Main objectives
Aims of the elective are
To provide the students with knowledge and understanding about
severe infectious diseases, how they develop and how they are
managed, including:
1 To increase the students knowledge and understanding of the
pathobiology of exemplary severe infectious diseases so that the
contribution of antimicrobial therapy and supportive measures is
appreciated
2 The student has an understanding of the dynamics of infectious
diseases by exploring the historical context, the present situation
and possible future developments of some of the infections
3 The student can oversee different prophylactic measures or
prevention strategies
4 The student has knowledge and understanding how modern
medical
technology
(use
foreign
body
material
or
immunosuppressive drugs) may result in severe infectious
complications.
5 The student is aware that the hospital environment creates special
threads and challenges.
Pediatric Infectious Diseases

The discipline of pediatric infectious diseases covers a broad range

of infections. Incidence and manifestations of infections are
influenced by the development of the child (from newborns to
adolescents) and the associated maturation of the immune system
especially in newborns and infants.
Pediatric infectious diseases have been a very fruitful area of
science, leading to major new insights and improvements in medical
care for children (and adults) worldwide.
Differentiation between common childhood infections or infections
caused by virulent pathogens like meningococci and life-threatening
infections in the immunocompromised child asks for a thorough
knowledge of the epidemiology and clinical presentation of these
infections. Understanding of the biology of causative agents and the
pathogenesis is an essential step in achieving control and
elimination of disease. The development of successful preventive
interventions of childhood diseases like diphtheria, measles, polio
and pertussis has made a major contribution to the improvement of
health worldwide.
In this elective course the student will learn more about the
scientific process and principles, while increasing knowledge of
pediatric infectious diseases. The course aims to further educate on
the scientific process in the medical sciences and builds on the
foundation laid within the core curriculum.
Literature
Up to date - electronic textbook available via the medical library of
the Radboudumc.
Selected Reviews and journal articles -available via the medical
library of the Radboudumc.
Students will receive a free hand out with detailed description of
obligatory and recommended reading during the course.
Remarks
Special emphasis on:
1. Understanding of the application of Fundamental, Translational
and Clinical Research in Pediatric Infectious Diseases.
2. Historic Milestones in Pediatric Infectious Diseases.
3. Research Methods and Techniques in Pediatric Infectious
Diseases.
4. Research Themes in Pediatric Infectious Diseases
5. Ethics of Research in Pediatric Infectious Diseases.
6. Oral Presentation Skills in English