Learning objectives
Objective of the Course is to allow the student to mature a deep knowledge of the main infectious diseases of major epidemiologic relevance in Italy and to develop the scientific knowledge necessary to manage correctly the main pathologies which can be acquired though travels in other endemic areas of the world. Theoretical knowledge derived from interactive oral lessons will be integrated through a reasoned evaluation of representative clinical cases.
Prerequisites
Optimal understanding of the topics which will be debated in the Course requires basic knowledge of microbiology and immunology in particular, which are essential to understand correctly pathogen life cycle and pathogenesis of related diseases, as a basis for the comprehension of the different diagnostic and therapeutic approaches applied in the clinical practice.
Course unit content
The Course will provide the scientific basis for diagnosis, correct clinical management and prevention of the infectious diseases of major relevance in our geographical area and of infections related to travels in areas where different pathogens are endemic. The main topics of the Course include: tuberculosis, meningitis, malaria, viral hepatitis and HIV infection
Full programme
The Course will include the following topics:
tuberculosis (epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, pulmonary and extra-pulmonary manifestations, diagnosis and therapy); meningitis (bacterial forms, with particular emphasis on meningococcal, pneumococcal and listeria infections; tuberculous and viral meningitis; diagnostic, therapeutic and prophylactic aspects); malaria (etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, therapy and prophylaxis). HBV and HCV infections (life cycle, immune pathogenesis of liver damage and virus persistence, epidemiology and natural history, clinics and therapy); Liver diseases caused by other viruses (HAV, HEV, delta, EBV and CMV) and differential diagnosis with other non-viral liver pathologies; HIV infection (biology and pathogenesis, natural history, opportunistic infections and acquired immune deficiency syndrome, AIDS); diagnosis and therapy.
Bibliography
Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious diseases. Leonardo Calza. Principi di malattie infettive. Società Editrice Esculapio.
Mauro Moroni, Roberto Esposito, Fausto De Lalla. Malattie Infettive. Società Editrice Masson
Teaching methods
Interactive lessons with the use of slides. Lessons will be held on-site in compliance with safety standards, provided that further instructions on the ongoing health emergency are not implemented.
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral exam which will consist of questions related to the topics covered by the lessons to evaluate the level of learning of the individual topics and the capacity of the student to apply the theoretical knowledge to clinical situations simulated during the examination.
Other information
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