Learning objectives
<br />In-depth insights of qualifying aspects instrumental to the acquisition of more specific expertise for the professional approach to microbiological and virological diagnoses and susceptibility testing with antimicrobial and antiviral drugs.
Course unit content
<br />Bacteriology<br />Techniques for in vitro cultivation of pathogenic spirochetes, Borreliae, Brachyspirae, Leptospirae. Techniques for DNA detection of spirochetes in biological specimens: Borreliae, Brachyspirae, Leptospirae, Treponema pallidum. Laboratory role in the diagnosis of bacterial diseases. Bacterial serology: theoretical basis of the reactions, applications, interpretations.<br />Mycology<br />Potential and limits of diagnostic approaches for fungal diseases: histological investigations, cultural investigations, serological investigations. Potential and limits of antifungal drug susceptibility testing: in vitro testing of antifungal drugs, in vivo testing of antifungal drugs, evaluation methods of antifungal drug blood concentration.<br />Parasitology<br />Techniques for in vitro cultivation of blood and tissue parasitic protozoa: Leishmania, Toxoplasma gondii, free living amebas (Acanthamoeba), intestinal parasitic protozoa: intestinal amebas (Entamoeba histolytica), parasitic protozoa of the genitourinary apparatus (Trichomonas vaginalis). Techniques for DNA detection of malaria plasmodia, T. gondii, intestinal amebas in biological specimens. Techniques for in vitro cultivation of Nematoda: concentration culture technique.<br />Virology<br />In vitro cultivation of viruses: diploid cells and cell lines, preparation of cellular substrates. Virus-induced cytophatic effect: definition, causes, examples, identification. Immunofluorescence reaction: direct, indirect. Detection and identification of viral proteins. Transmission electron microscopy: general principles, preparation of grids, negative staining, virus observation.
Bibliography
M. Bendinelli, C. Chezzi,, G. Dettori, N. Manca, G. Morace, L. Polonelli, M.A. Tufano. Microbiologia Medica. Gli agenti ifettivi dell'uomo: biologia, azione patogena, laboratorio. Batteriologia. Micologia. Virologia. Monduzzi Editore<br />
I. De Carneri. Parassitologia Generale ed Umana. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.
