Designing a Pathogen

Designing a Fictional Pathogen: Understanding Disease Spread and Prevention

Objective: Develop a fictional pathogen and present an analysis of its characteristics, focusing on the factors influencing disease spread and potential preventive measures.

Steps:

  1. Introduction to Disease Spread (Class Discussion):
    • Discuss real-world diseases and their transmission methods.
    • Emphasise the importance of responsible research, ethical considerations, and the role of preventive measures.
  2. Fictional Pathogen Design:
    • Pathogen Characteristics:
      • Name of the pathogen.
      • Type of pathogen (virus, bacteria, etc.).
      • Transmission methods (airborne, waterborne, contact, etc.).
      • Incubation period.
      • Symptoms and severity.
    • Spread Analysis:
      • Identify factors that contribute to the spread of the fictional pathogen.
      • Explore how the pathogen might overcome preventive measures.
      • Consider global factors that could facilitate or hinder its spread.
  3. Preventive Measures:
    • Students brainstorm and propose realistic preventive measures for controlling the spread of their fictional pathogen.
    • Encourage creativity but emphasise the importance of considering practicality.
  4. Presentation Preparation:
    • Each student creates a presentation (slides, posters, or other visual aids) detailing the fictional pathogen, its characteristics, factors influencing its spread, and proposed preventive measures.
    • Presentations should include visuals, data, and a clear explanation of their reasoning.
  5. Peer Review:
    • Students review and provide constructive feedback on their classmates’ presentations, considering the scientific accuracy, creativity, and feasibility of proposed preventive measures.
  6. Presentation Day:
    • Students present their fictional pathogens and preventive measures to the class.
    • Encourage a Q&A session after each presentation to facilitate further discussion and critical thinking.
  7. Reflection:
    • After all presentations, students write a short reflection on the experience, discussing what they learned about disease spread, preventive measures, and the ethical considerations involved.

(Example below to help get you started)

Fictional Pathogen: SulfurGuard-9

Introduction:

  • Name: SulfurGuard-9 (SG-9)
  • Type: Bacterial pathogen

Original Purpose:

  • Developed with the intention of reducing the odor of flatulence by consuming excess sulfur compounds in the digestive system.

Characteristics:

  1. Transmission Method: Airborne (inhalation of bacteria released during digestion).
  2. Incubation Period: 24-48 hours.
  3. Symptoms: Initially, individuals experience a temporary reduction in the smell of flatulence. SG-9 colonizes the digestive tract and consumes sulfur compounds, producing harmless byproducts.
  4. Unintended Side Effect: After a few weeks, a subset of individuals begins experiencing spontaneous vomiting once a week.

Spread Analysis:

  • SG-9 spreads initially through social interactions and communal spaces where airborne transmission is likely.
  • Unintended side effects contribute to the spread, as individuals experiencing vomiting become potential carriers during these episodes.

Preventive Measures:

  1. Identification: Early detection of the pathogen through routine health checkups.
  2. Isolation: Isolate and treat individuals showing symptoms promptly to prevent further spread.
  3. Research for a Cure: Investigate ways to maintain the beneficial aspects of SG-9 while mitigating or eliminating the unintended side effects.

Presentation Preparation:

  • Title Slide: Introduction to SulfurGuard-9 and its original purpose.
  • Characteristics: Detailed explanation of transmission methods, incubation period, and initial and unintended symptoms.
  • Spread Analysis: Factors contributing to the pathogen’s spread, including social and environmental aspects.
  • Preventive Measures: Proposed strategies for identification, isolation, and research for a cure.

Presentation Day:

  • Present the initial positive aspects of SG-9, followed by the revelation of unintended side effects.
  • Explain the importance of responsible scientific development and the need for ongoing research to address unforeseen consequences.

Reflection:

  • Discuss the ethical considerations of manipulating microorganisms for human benefits.
  • Reflect on the importance of considering potential unintended consequences and the need for ongoing research and responsibility in scientific endeavors.