Learning objectives
The objectives of the course of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology are to enable the acquisition of knowledge and understanding about the taxonomic, epidemiological, morphological, physiological, immunological and pharmacological characteristics of bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses responsible for infectious diseases in humans and to provide the capacity of evaluation, interpretation and managing of microbiological and virological approaches for the diagnosis, therapy, prophylaxis and control of the infections of the oral cavity and to avoid cross-infections in dentistry. 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.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
Evolution of microorganisms and microbiology. The bacteria: cell structure, classification, reproduction, sporogenesis and germination, metabolism, cultivation, genetics, mechanisms of pathogenicity. The fungi: yeasts, moulds. The parasites: protozoa, metazoa. The viruses: chemical composition and structure, classification, replication, interference, cultivation and quantitation, mechanisms of pathogenicity. General outlines on infectious diseases: endogenous infections, exogenous infections. Innate and adaptative immunity against infections. Principles of direct and indirect microbiological diagnosis. Antibacterial drugs. Antifungal drugs. Antiparasitic drugs. Antiviral drugs. Mechanisms of resistance of pathogenic agents to anti-infective drugs. Principles of drug sensitivity testing of pathogenic agents to anti-infective drugs. Prevention of infectious diseases: active immunity, passive immunity. The mouth as a microbial habitat. The resident oral microbial population. Acquisition, adhesion, distribution and metabolism of the oral microbial population. Dental plaque. Dental caries. Periodontal diseases. Oral bacterial infections. Oral fungal infections. Oral viral infections. Therapy and prophylaxis of oral infections. Cross-infection control in dentistry. Microbiological principles for disinfection and sterilization.
Full programme
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Bibliography
M. La Placa. "Principi di Microbiologia Medica", Società Editrice Esculapio, Bologna.
L. Polonelli. Microbiologia Odontoiatrica. UniNova. Traduzione da P. Marsh, M.V. Martin. Oral Microbiology. Wright.
Teaching methods
Lectures supported by visual aids will be used to convey critical information relating to the contents of the course.
Assessment methods and criteria
Learning outcomes will be verified through an oral examination. No interim evaluation is programmed. Questions relating to the contents of the course will be used to verify the student’s knowledge and understanding in the field, and her/his ability to apply the knowledge and understanding in occupational contexts. Failure to answer to one question, or proven inability to demonstrate at least a basic knowledge on the subject, will prevent the successful completion of the exam. Upon successful completion of the examination, a grade will be attributed according to the degree of achievement of the objectives (excellent, good, fair, fully sufficient, barely sufficient), which will contribute to the final grade.
Other information
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