Chickens and Humans and Pigs, Oh My!
A Case Study About Influenza
Author(s)
Abstract
Influenza is a common topic in the popular press and a point of interest for many students. This case study was written to promote interdisciplinary connections between upper division virology and immunology classes. Students that participate in this case will address many important concepts, including antigenic shift/drift, reassortment of viral antigens, viral entry via sialic acid residues, vaccinations, and pandemics. Developed in an interrupted case format, instructors may use the case in its entirety or portions that are relevant for their own needs. The case would be appropriate for us in immunology, virology or microbiology courses.
Objectives
- Explain the background information of their discipline to others (virology students: the influenza replication process; immunology students: how antigens are seen by the immune system).
- Describe the basic mechanisms from the counterpart discipline.
- Understand how viral reassortment affects host immune response and vaccine strategy.
- Apply the mechanisms studied to future class content.
- Locate and evaluate appropriate sources of electronic information.
Keywords
Influenza; flu; infectious disease; vaccine; vaccination; antigen; antigenic drift; antigenic shift; original antigenic sin; virus; viral antigen; host immune response; cytokine storm; pandemic; immunity; immunology; virologyTopical Areas
N/AEducational Level
Undergraduate upper divisionFormat
PDFType / Methods
Analysis (Issues), Discussion, InterruptedLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Biology (General) | Microbiology | Medicine (General) | Public Health | Interdisciplinary Sciences |
Date Posted
12/1/2011Teaching Notes
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Answer Key
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