Learning objectives
To provide the basic concepts of Microbiology for the students, focusing on the knowledge of decontamination procedures for packaging materials, as well as on food-transmitted pathogens.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
BACTERIOLOGY
The prokaryotic cell
- general organization, morphology and physiology
- cellular structures
- the endospore: sporulation and germination processes
Metabolism and cultivation of bacteria
- principal routes of energetic metabolism
- transport systems
- chemical and physical conditions required for the cultivation of bacteria
- growth media
- maintenance and storage of bacteria
- reproduction and growth
- the curve of growth
- methods of titration
Genetic of microorganisms
- genetic variability, mutations
- plasmids
- genetic recombination: conjugation, transformation and transduction
Pathogenicity and virulence
- attachment factors
- virulence factors
- bacterial toxins and their mechanism
- the microorganism / host interrelation: commensalism, symbiosis, parasitism
- transmission of pathogens
Microbiology of aliments
- food-transmitted pathogens: examples
- storage and packaging of aliments
- active packaging
VIROLOGY
Biological, morphological and structural characteristics of viruses
- definition
- morphology
- symmetry
- complex structure
- combined structure
- chemical composition
- genome
Phases of the viral infection
- absorption
- penetration
- uncoating
- expression and replication of the viral genome
Cultivation of viruses
- in animals
- in embryonated chicken eggs
- in tissue cultures
- methods for the detection of viruses
- effects of the viral infection
MICOLOGY
General characteristics of fungi
Yeasts and molds
The fungi/host relationship
Mycotoxins
Fungal decontamination of packaging materials
Fungal contamination of aliments: main concepts
PARASITOLOGY
Protozoa
General characteristics and life cycle of:
- Giardia intestinalis
- Cryptosporidium
- Entamoeba histolytica
- Toxoplasma gondii
- Free living amoebae (Acanthamoeba, Naegleria)
Helminths
General characteristics and life cycle of:
Cestodes:
- Taenia solium
- Taenia saginata
- Echinococcus granulosus
Trematodes:
- Fasciola hepatica
- Paragonimus
Nematodes:
- Trichinella
Ascarides:
- Toxocara canis
- Anisakis
Full programme
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Bibliography
“Microbiologia medica. Gli agenti infettivi dell' uomo: biologia, azione patogena, laboratorio” Bendinelli M., Chezzi C., Dettori G., Manca N., Morace G., Polonelli L., Tufano M.A. Editore: Monduzzi
Teaching methods
Oral lesson
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral exam
Other information
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