Learning objectives
The course aims to enable the student to know and understand: host-pathogen interactions and pathogenesis of infectious diseases; major agents of infectious diseases in man; mode of action of the major antimicrobial and antiviral agents and their mechanisms of resistance; basic technical aspects related to the laboratory diagnosis of infections caused by relevant bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. The course also aims to enable to apply this knowledge in the workplace.
Prerequisites
Strong knowledge of General Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular biology.
Course unit content
General characteristics of microorganisms and viruses, determinants of pathogenicity.
Microorganisms and viruses that cause relevant human infectious diseases.
Antimicrobial and antiviral molecules and their mechanism of action, determinants of antimicrobial resistance
Microbiological diagnosis of infection, direct and indirect diagnosis.
Determination of the sensitivity of microorganisms and viruses to anti-infective agents.
Full programme
Introduction to Medical Microbiology: summary of General Microbiology concepts relevant to Medical Microbiology; pathogenicity and virulence, mechanisms of pathogenicity and relationships with host specific and non-specific defenses.
Functional organization of the immune system, pathogen recognition, and defense mechanisms against infectious diseases.
Diagnosis of infectious diseases: direct and indirect diagnosis; conventional, immunological, and molecular techniques for the microbiological diagnosis; determination of the sensitivity of microorganisms and viruses to anti-infectious drugs.
Major bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa of medical interest and laboratory diagnosis of infection.
Bibliography
Eudes Lanciotti - Microbiologia Clinica – Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.
Didactic materials used in class available on the Elly site, on the course page.
Teaching methods
Lectures supported by visual aids will be used to present and discuss, with broad reference to practical approaches, the contents of the course.
Lectures will be held on-site, unless otherwise indicated by the University. Supporting material will be available on the specific, student-reserved platform (Elly) and will include slide presentations and audio-video aids.
Assessment methods and criteria
Learning outcomes will be verified through an oral examination. The examination can be addressed, upon registration online, based on the official exams calendar of the Department. By questions regarding the course content it will be ascertained whether the student has achieved the objective of knowledge and understanding of the scientific discipline and is able to use the technical-scientific language in an appropriate manner and to apply in occupational contexts the knowledge acquired. The ascertained inability to answer a question or to prove at least a basic knowledge of the subject will prevent the successful completion of the exam. In case of passing the exam, the attribution of the vote, expressed in thirtieths, will be carried out according to the degree of achievement of the objectives (excellent, good, fair, fully sufficient, barely sufficient). Full marks with laude will be reserved to students who have demonstrated high communication and autonomous learning skills. The result of the examination is communicated immediately to the student, and, after acceptance, it will be published on the ESSE3 portal (https://unipr.esse3.cineca.it/Home.do). Students with Learning Disabilities/Special Educational Needs must first contact the Welcome and Inclusion University Centre (cai@unipr.it).
Other information
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