AB185. SOH25_AB_203. Proposal for a poster introducing pathogens of significance to medical students

Background: The depiction of pathogens is often challenging. The authors aim to provide a quick, visual reference of the most relevant pathogens for human disease to introduce medical students in preclinical years to medical microbiology and infectious disease.

Methods: Authors used a priori knowledge and Volume 2 of Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett’s Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases (eighth edition) to develop a list of approximately 120 etiologic agents of infectious diseases. Agents were grouped by physiological target system, colour coded by type of pathogen (e.g., virus, fungus, etc.), and given a unique 2-letter abbreviation of the first letters of their genus and species name (except in cases of an existing abbreviation). For 14 organisms, the second letter of their code reflects a different part of their genus/species name due to conflict. An addendum including agents’ incubation periods and clinical presentation of disease will be compiled in consultation with an infectious disease specialist.

Results: The proposed poster is intended as an educational resource, designed to resemble the periodic table developed by Mendeleev. The authors intend to provide the most pertinent introductory information for medical students beginning to learn about infectious diseases, including the type of pathogen and the primary system(s) they affect in a single, visually clear reference.

Conclusions: Future research will include a pilot study among preclinical medical students at the University of Limerick, allowing for refinement of the materials and eventual assessment of the effectiveness of the poster and addendum as a learning aid for infectious disease material among medical students.

Keywords: Education; professional; infectious disease; microbiology; poster; students; medical