Learning objectives
Acquisition of the scientific expertise instrumental to the understanding of the
taxonomic, morphological, physiological and antigenic characteristics of bacteria,
fungi, parasites and viruses for the microscopic, cultural and serological diagnostic
approach of infectious diseases in man and drug susceptibility testing to
antimicrobial and antiviral drugs.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
Bacteriology.
Evolution of microorganisms and microbiology. The different branches of
microbiology. Structural and functional characteristics of the prokaryotic cell.
Sporogenesis and germination. Comparison of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Microscopic examination. Simple and differential staining. Metabolism and
cultivation: media and curve of growth. Quantitation methods. Classification.
Bacterial genetics. Host-bacterium interactions. Resident bacterial population.
Mechanisms of pathogenicity. Principal diseases caused by bacterial infections.
Antibacterial drugs. Mechanisms of resistance to antibacterial drugs. Antibacterial
drug susceptibility testing.
Mycology.
General features of fungi. Classification of fungi. Structure of fungal cell and colony.
Yeasts and moulds. Fungal dimorphism. Fungal metabolism. Cultivation of fungi.
Reproduction modalities in fungi. Mechanisms of fungal pathogenicity. Immune
response to fungal infections. Antifungal drugs. Mechanisms of resistance to
antifungal drugs. Classification and epidemiology of mycoses. Fungi of clinical
interest. Mycotoxins.
Parasitology.
Introduction to medical parasitology: terminology and definitions used in the study of
systematic medical parasitology, definition of parasitism, general features and
classification of medically important parasites. Presentation of the principal parasitic
protozoa of medical interest. Notes on the life cycle of principal blood and tissue
parasitic protozoa: Leishmania, malaria Plasmodium, Toxoplasma gondii, free-living
amebas (Acanthamoeba). Notes on the life cycle of the principal intestinal parasitic
protozoa: intestinal amebas (Entamoeba histolytica), Flagellates (Giardia
intestinalis), Coccidia (Cryptosporidium spp.). Notes on the life cycle of the principal
genitourinary parasitic protozoa (Trichomonas). Presentation of the principal
helmints of medical interest: Cestoda, Nematoda, Trematoda. Notes on the life
cycle of the principal intestinal parasitic helmints: Cestoda (Diphyllobotrium latum,
Taenia solium, Taenia saginata, Echinococcus), Trematoda (schistosoma),
Nematoda (Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, Enterobius
vermicularis). Notes on the life cycle of the principal parasitic helmints of the
muscoskeletal apparatus: Nematoda (Trichinella spiralis). Notes on the life cycle of
the principal parasitic helmints of urinary apparatus: Trematoda (schistosoma).
Presentation of the principal Arthropoda of medical interest: ticks, louses, maggots,
mites.
Virology.
General features of viruses. Definition of viruses. Morphology of viruses. Structure
of viruses. Nucleic acids of viruses. Host-virus interactions: steps of viral infection.
Expression of viral genome. Replication of viral genome. Cultivation of viruses.
Effects of virus replication on host cell. Identification of viruses. Quantitation of
viruses. Classification of viruses. Mutations and genetic interactions between
viruses. Viral interference. Immunization against viruses. Antiviral drugs. Principles
of laboratory diagnosis of viral infections.
Full programme
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Bibliography
MICROBIOLOGIA MEDICA - Gli agenti infettivi dell'uomo: biologia, azione
patogena, laboratorio – BATTERIOLOGIA. M. Bendinelli, C. Chezzi, G. Dettori, N.
Manca, G. Morace, L. Polonelli, M.A. Tufano - Monduzzi Editore.
MICROBIOLOGIA MEDICA - Gli agenti infettivi dell'uomo: biologia, azione
patogena, laboratorio – MICOLOGIA. M. Bendinelli, C. Chezzi, G. Dettori, N.
Manca, G. Morace, L. Polonelli, M.A. Tufano - Monduzzi Editore.
MICROBIOLOGIA MEDICA - Gli agenti infettivi dell'uomo: biologia, azione
patogena, laboratorio – VIROLOGIA. M. Bendinelli, C. Chezzi, G. Dettori, N. Manca,
G. Morace, L. Polonelli, M.A. Tufano - Monduzzi Editore.
PARASSITOLOGIA GENERALE ED UMANA
I. De Carneri - Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milano.
Teaching methods
Oral lessons and laboratory training
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral examination
Other information
Teachers:
Prof. Luciano Polonelli
Prof.ssa Maria Cristina Arcangeletti
Prof. Walter Magliani
Dott.ssa Sabina Rossi
