Sample: Student Pathogen Portfolio
This sample pathogen portfolio page earned a score of 10/10: The student included all required information regarding the pathogen, the information was arranged in a logical manner with minimal spelling and grammar errors, and the student included a picture (demonstrating creativity), as well as references cited.
Arenavirus
Identifying information:
Arenavirus is a virus genus with their genome composed of only RNA.
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Its average diameter measures 110-130 nanometers.
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Some of these viruses are zoonotic pathogens, mostly associated with rodent-transmitted diseases in humans.
Pathogenicity:
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These virus particles are circular and enveloped in a lipid membrane with two major spikelike or clublike glycoprotein components.
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It is not completely understood how these viruses replicate, but new viral particles called virions are created by budding from the surface of host cells.
Epidemiology:
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Human infections are caused by getting in contact with materials contaminated with the infected rodent’s excretions.
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Aerosol transmission of particles soiled with an infected rodent’s urine or saliva cause infections in humans.
Disease(s) caused by microbe:
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This virus can cause a mass number of diseases, which include Lassa fever, Argentine, Bolivian, Venezuelan and Brazilian hemorrhagic fever, and a flu-like illness.
Possible complications:
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Possible complications include myocarditis, encephalitis, deafness, maternal and fetal loss, weight loss, and autonomic instability, depending on the type of disease obtained.
Prevention:
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In order to prevent worst problems, blood pressure should be carefully monitored and controlled, as well as fluid and electrolyte intake.
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Rodent control and avoidance to areas with lots of rodents are the best preventive measures to prevent the spread of this virus.
Treatment:
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For mild infections, medical care is not really required.
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Antiviral drugs, such as Ribavirin is used for Lassa fever and the South American hemorrhagic fevers.
References:
2008. Arenaviruses sp. <http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages/dispages/arena.htm>
2006. Arenaviruses. http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic166.htm