D311 Task 1: Research Essay on Infectious Diseases Analysis

Grace J.
November 12, 2025November 12, 2025
BSN, D311, Western Governors University

Student Name

Western Governors University

D311 Microbiology with Lab: A Fundamental Approach

Prof. Name

Date

TASK 1: RESEARCH ESSAY

TASK OVERVIEW

This research essay is designed to analyze infectious diseases by examining both bacterial and nonbacterial pathogens. The objective is to understand their biological characteristics, how they spread, the clinical symptoms they cause, and the current treatment and prevention methods available. This task promotes critical thinking and analytical abilities essential for comprehending complex biological systems and effectively addressing public health concerns.

COMPETENCIES

1034.1.4: Analyzes Infectious Diseases
This competency highlights the learner’s capacity to thoroughly investigate the features of infectious diseases, aiming to educate individuals about the causes (etiologies) and available treatment options for various infectious diseases.

INTRODUCTION

Microorganisms are integral to daily life, offering many benefits such as protecting health, supporting bodily functions, contributing to food production, and facilitating nutrient cycling in the environment. However, some microorganisms are responsible for serious infectious diseases that impact individuals, communities, and global populations. Gaining insight into these pathogens is essential to controlling their transmission and reducing their negative effects.

This research requires investigating one bacterial and one nonbacterial disease chosen from a designated list. The study should explore the biology of each pathogen, how it spreads, the typical symptoms it causes, and strategies for treatment and prevention. The exercise encourages learners to apply their knowledge critically to real-world health issues.

REQUIREMENTS

Your work must be original and comply with academic integrity standards. Direct quotes or closely paraphrased content must not exceed 30% of the entire paper, with a maximum of 10% from any single source, even if correctly cited. A similarity report will be used to verify compliance.

Please refer to the provided rubric to ensure all evaluation criteria are met. Submit your work in accepted file formats (.docx, .pdf, etc.) and avoid cloud-based links unless specified.

RESEARCH PAPER INSTRUCTIONS

A. Selection of Diseases

Question: Which bacterial and nonbacterial diseases should I choose for this research?
Answer: Select one bacterial and one nonbacterial disease from the following list:

Bacterial Diseases	Nonbacterial Diseases
Chlamydia	Influenza A and B
Staphylococcus (MRSA)	Herpes (HSV-1, HSV-2)
E. coli	Norovirus
Shigellosis	Hepatitis
Syphilis	HIV
Gonorrhea	Common Cold
Salmonella	COVID-19
Pneumonia	Rotavirus
Tuberculosis	Malaria
	Measles

B. Source Citation

Question: Where should I find credible information about each disease?
Answer: Utilize reputable sources such as:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
World Health Organization (WHO)
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

C. Description of the Bacterial Disease

Question: What details should I provide about the selected bacterial disease?
Answer: Include the following aspects:

Aspect	Details to Include
Organism name	Scientific name of the bacterium responsible
Transmission	Modes by which the disease spreads among people or through environment
Signs and symptoms	Typical clinical features exhibited by infected individuals
Treatment	Recommended antibiotics or medical interventions

D. Description of the Nonbacterial Disease

Question: What information is required for the nonbacterial disease?
Answer: Provide details as outlined below:

Aspect	Details to Include
Organism name	Name of the virus, fungus, or parasite causing the disease
Transmission	How the disease spreads and its contagious nature
Signs and symptoms	Common clinical symptoms observed in infected individuals
Treatment	Current therapies or supportive care measures available

E. Personal Reflection and Disease Impact

Question: Why should I explain my choice of diseases and their impact?
Answer:

Describe the reasons behind selecting each disease for further study.
Discuss the effects these diseases have had on particular populations or communities, including aspects such as outbreaks, mortality rates, and socio-economic consequences.

F. Practical Application

Question: How can I relate my research findings to practical advice?
Answer: Provide guidance relevant to real-life situations, as illustrated in the table below:

Question	Suggested Advice
Advice for someone infected with bacterial disease	Stress the importance of prompt treatment, adherence to antibiotics, and maintaining good hygiene to prevent spread
Advice for someone infected with nonbacterial disease	Recommend rest, symptom relief, and isolation or protective measures to avoid transmission
Advice to prevent infection from each disease	Advocate vaccination (where available), personal hygiene, safe food handling, and avoiding contact with infected individuals

G. Source Acknowledgement

Question: How should I cite my sources?
Answer: All referenced material must include proper in-text citations and a reference list formatted according to APA style to uphold academic integrity.

H. Professional Communication

Question: What are the expectations for writing quality?
Answer:

The paper should be organized clearly and structured logically.
It must be free from grammatical and typographical errors.
Maintain a professional tone throughout the submission.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Chlamydia – CDC fact sheet. https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/default.htm