Case Study, Diagnosis, Microbiology, Real World Example

Diagnostic Case Study: Multistate Outbreak Linked to Cucumbers

Author Kristina Symes , 10-Oct-2024

The “Diagnostic Case Study: Multistate Outbreak Linked to Cucumbers”  lesson plan presents a real-world scenario where students are tasked with diagnosing a patient affected by a multistate foodborne outbreak. This case emphasizes the use of clinical reasoning to narrow down the diagnosis based on symptoms, patient history, and available lab results.

 

Students will use the GIDEON platform to compare their diagnostic guesses with probability-based results, and explore further microbiological tests to confirm the diagnosis. The lesson encourages critical thinking about patient care in the context of an ongoing outbreak.

About the Lesson Plan

This Lesson Features:

  • Patient Case Overview: A real-life case study involving a 48-year-old woman affected by a multistate foodborne outbreak linked to cucumbers.
  • GIDEON Step by Step Diagnosis: Students use the platform to compare symptoms and narrow down the list of possible diseases based on clinical and epidemiological factors.
  • Diagnostic Reasoning Questions: Guided questions prompt students to form differential diagnoses, consider microbiological tests, and think through care management.
  • Further Reading & Resources: Links to the case study, additional CDC resources and guidelines on Salmonella and foodborne outbreak management.
Author
Kristina Symes