Learning objectives
The objectives of the course of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology are to enable the acquisition of knowledge and understanding about 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.The course has also the aim to provide the ability to apply in occupational contexts the knowledge and understanding acquired in the field of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology.
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.
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 genitor-rinary parasitic protozoa (Trichomonas). Presentation of the principal helmints of medical interest: Cestoda, Nematoda. Notes on the life cycle of the principal intestinal parasitic helmints: Cestoda (Diphyllobotrium latum, Taenia solium, Taenia saginata, Echinococcus), Nematoda (Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, Enterobius vermicularis). Notes on the life cycle of the principal parasitic helmints of the muscoskeletal apparatus: Nematoda (Trichinella spiralis).
MYCOLOGY
General characteristics of fungi. Structure of the fungal cell and of the fungal colony. Yeasts and moulds. Classification of fungi. Fungal dimorphism. Fungal metabolism. Cultivation of fungi. Reproduction of fungi. Mechanisms of fungal pathogenicity. Immune response to fungal infections. Antifungal drugs. Classification and epidemiology of mycoses. Mycotoxins.
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. 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.
MICROBIOLOGIA MEDICA - Gli agenti infettivi dell'uomo: biologia, azione patogena, laboratorio – PARASSITOLOGIA. M. Bendinelli, A. Calderaro, C. Chezzi, G. Dettori, N. Manca, G. Morace, L. Polonelli, M.A. Tufano - Monduzzi Editore.
Teaching methods
Lectures supported by visual aids will be used to convey critical information on the arguments relating to the contents of the course
Assessment methods and criteria
The outcomes of learning will be verified through an oral examination. Questions on the arguments relating to the course will be used to test the knowledge and the understanding of the student in the scientific discipline, in order to apply such knowledge and understanding in occupational contexts.
Other information
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