Unmasking Respiratory Viruses: The Basics of Respiratory Viral Interactions
Continuing Education Credits
Microbiology, molecular diagnostics, and general medical laboratory scientists all have some interactions with viral orders or tests. This course provides basic descriptions of seven common respiratory viruses, how they interact with the host, and types of viral mutations. The course also highlights testing methods, disease symptoms, vaccines, and common treatments available.
Objectives
- Explain the basic components of respiratory viruses and their function in the host.
- Describe how the virus and host interact with each other.
- List the types of viral mutations and why they are important.
- Describe testing methods and indications of disease.
- Identify the types of vaccines and treatments available for respiratory viruses.
Course Outline
- Basic Components of Respiratory Viruses
- Introduction
- Influenza
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus
- Coronavirus
- Respiratory Adenovirus
- Parainfluenza
- Human Metapneumovirus
- Rhinovirus
- Influenza type A subtypes and strains are determined by?
- True or False: Adults are not susceptible to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
- Coronaviruses are:
- Select the true statement.
- Parainfluenza viruses commonly:
- Rhinovirus includes the following, except:
- True or False: Human metapneumovirus attaches to the host cell using two glycoproteins.
- Virus and Host Interaction
- Interactions of Respiratory Viruses with the Host
- Virus Entrance Into the Host Cell
- How the Host Responds to the Invading Virus
- Humoral Response
- Match the appropriate word with the correct statement.
- Match the appropriate action for each host cell responding to viral invaders.
- Viral Mutations and Why They are Important
- Survival Through Mutations
- True or False: Circulation of influenza with antigenic shift mutations causes pandemics.
- The following are characteristics of antigenic drifts, except:
- Testing Methods and Indications of Disease
- Testing Methods
- PCR and Multiplex PCR
- Important Notes About PCR
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has the following characteristics, except:
- True or False: Target sequences chosen for PCR amplification can overlap with other organism sequences.
- Types of Vaccines and Treatments
- Treatments and Prevention
- Supplemental Treatments
- Essential Oils with Known Anti-Viral Properties
- Research on Essential Oils Against Influenza
- True or False: There has been no laboratory research that supports the use of supplements or essential oils to reduce or prevent respiratory infections.
- Vaccines:
- References
- References
Additional Information
Level of Instruction: Basic
Intended Audience: Medical laboratory scientists, medical laboratory technicians, molecular diagnostics personnel, laboratory supervisors, and laboratory managers. This course is also appropriate for MLS and MLT students and pathology residents.
Author Information: Jennifer Eddins, PhD, SM(ASCP), has over 30 years of experience in medical microbiology as a technologist, lead, and technical specialist. She teaches introductory microbiology courses online to pre-nursing students and creates continuing education modules for MediaLab. Jennifer has a BS in Microbiology from Colorado State University and a PhD in Public Health focusing on epidemiology from Walden University.
Reviewer Information:
Laurie Bjerklie, MA, MLS(ASCP)CM, is
a Lead Education Developer. She earned a B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science
from the University of North Dakota and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction
from Saint Xavier University. She has over 15 years of experience in higher
education and has held program director and faculty positions in both MLT and
MLS programs.
Erin Phipps, M(ASCP), has 19 years of experience as a medical lab scientist. She is a Lead Medical Lab Scientist in the Molecular Diagnostics Department at the University of Colorado Hospital.
Course Description: Microbiology, molecular diagnostics, and general medical laboratory scientists all have some interactions with viral orders or tests. This course provides basic descriptions of seven common respiratory viruses, how they interact with the host, and types of viral mutations. The course also highlights testing methods, disease symptoms, vaccines, and common treatments available.