About

Infectious diseases affect everyone. They account for 26% of all deaths worldwide, and unlike chronic diseases, they have the potential for explosive global impacts. In An Introduction to Infectious Diseases, get an accessible overview of diseases-from the mundane to the fatal-from a renowned physician who specializes in this topic. This comprehensive course provides the most reliable and up-to-date information.

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Episodes

1. The Dynamic World of Infectious Disease

30m

Dive into the fascinating stories behind three notorious diseases: bubonic plague, malaria, and polio. See how scientists of the time were able to discover the causes of these diseases and develop effective treatments. Also, learn why infectious diseases are still a pressing issue for our society, despite our advances in science and technology.

2. Bacteria: Heroes and Villains

30m

Start your study of the basic elements of germ theory with bacteria. Once you've inspected the anatomy of a bacterium cell and its function, explore how bacteria can cause disease and how they can adapt to make themselves elusive to your immune system. Then, investigate three diseases caused by bacteria: diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus.

3. Viruses: Hijackers of Your Body's Cells

30m

Zoom in to see a particle 100 times smaller than bacteria: the virus, which can replicate inside living cells. Follow the life cycle of a virus as you see what viruses like HIV and Ebola do to host cells. Meet two germs that fall between bacteria and viruses-the spirochete and rickettsia.

4. Moldy Menaces and Fungal Diseases

30m

Although fungal diseases usually don't involve humans, they can indirectly affect us, and they have played a major role in human history. Investigate diverse infections that can be acquired when you come into contact with mold or fungus-sometimes by raking or blowing rotting leaves! Also learn whether or not you should have your household duct system cleaned regularly.

5. Milestones in Infectious Disease History

30m

Where would we be without the scientists that brought to life the inventions and discoveries that are the foundations of modern medicine? In this lecture, meet some of the people who developed the tools to identify microorganisms, the means to pinpoint the source of a disease, the vaccinations to prevent them, and the drugs to treat them.

6. Antibiotics: A Modern Miracle Lost?

30m

Trace the history of antibiotic development and explore how the eight classes of antibiotics attack bacterial infections. Gain an introduction to the increasingly important concern of antibiotic resistance, and learn how you can contribute to the more prudent use of antibiotics.

7. Which Germs in Your Daily Life Matter?

30m

Microbes are all around us-the question is, what do we have to worry about? From airplanes to restaurants, hotel rooms to your master bathroom, learn how you can protect yourself from germs without becoming totally obsessed with them. Is there any truth to the Five Second Rule? Find out in this lecture.

8. Six Decades of Infectious Disease Challenges

30m

Track the history of infectious diseases decade by decade: the easily cured childhood illnesses of the 50s, the diseases spread by risky behaviors in the 60s, and the outbreak of Legionnaires' Disease in the late 70s, followed by the tragedies of human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, in the 80s and 90s.

9. Vaccines Save Lives

30m

From routine childhood vaccinations to the experimental vaccines given to Ebola patients in Africa and the United States, vaccines have a powerful effect on public health. Learn the facts about the four different types of vaccines and their components, and discover why the concept of herd immunity is critical to public health.

10. The Immune System: Our Great Protector

30m

Take a closer look at the intricate components of your body that try to protect you from dangerous infectious diseases. Then, explore immunosenescence-the changes in your immune system as you age-and learn proven ways to keep your immune system strong and prevent illness.

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