Chickens and Humans and Pigs, Oh My!

By Jeffrey J. Byrd, Samantha L. Elliott

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.

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Date Posted

12/01/2011

Overview

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; virology

Subject Headings

Biology (General)

Interdisciplinary Sciences

Medicine (General)

Microbiology

Public Health

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate upper division

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Analysis (Issues), Discussion, Interrupted

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

Teaching Notes

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Answer Key

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