MDR Tuberculosis

By Katayoun Chamany

Abstract

In this case study on multi-drug resistant (MDR) tuberculosis, students consider ways in which to preserve health as a human right without subjecting already marginalized communities susceptible to the disease to further discrimination. Students learn about the science behind TB diagnostics and current treatment protocols as well as the political and social history of TB outbreaks and the development of MDR TB. The case makes use of video clips, news stories, public health press releases and reports, and other secondary and primary literature. It can be used in a variety of courses that span the undergraduate and graduate level curriculum.

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Date Posted

08/14/2006

Overview

Objectives

Understand how genetic variation arises through random changes (mutation) and recombination.
Explain the role that environmental conditions can play in the overall frequency of mutations in a population.
Explain temporal relationships among genetic variation, environmental change, natural selection, and evolution/adaptation.
Recognize that there are some instances in which these temporal relationships are slightly modified by environments capable of inducing the rate of random change.
Recognize that populations, not individuals, evolve.
Make connections between immune responses and the development of vaccines and diagnostics for disease.
Describe how political and social factors can influence people's rights in the context of public health.
Appreciate the relevance that evolution has on everyday life.

Keywords

MDRTB; MDR TB; XDR TB; mycobacterium tuberculosis; drug resistant tuberculosis; multi-drug resistant; antibiotic resistance; evolution; mutation; natural selection; genetic variation; infectious disease

Subject Headings

Biology (General)

Evolutionary Biology

Medicine (General)

Nursing

Public Health

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division, Graduate, General public & informal education

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

Ethics, Policy issues, Social issues, Social justice issues

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Dilemma/Decision, Interrupted, Role-Play

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

Teaching Notes

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Answer Key

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Materials & Media

Supplemental Materials

Videos

Threat of Tuberculosis
PBS affiliates WGBH Educational Foundation and Clear Blue Sky Productions, Inc., have produced a powerful short (5 min 5 sec) video on multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis that instructiors interested in this case study may want to use to introduce the subject to their students.