This course covers concepts of general microbiology, immunology, and the pathology of infectious diseases, stressing the important bacterial, viral, fungal, protozoan, and parasitic worm pathogens affecting man. It includes a discussion of the host parasite relationship, major virulence factors, modes of transmission, mechanisms of prevention, and the laboratory identification of microbial pathogens. Basic concepts in epidemiology will be presented, including health agencies, population health assessments, vaccination, and emerging diseases. Laboratory concepts are discussed during the appropriate lectures and with the presentation of clinical cases.