Learning objectives
The course of Microbiology aims to enable the student to know and understand:
morphology, structural organization, genetics and classification of bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses; metabolism and mode of reproduction of bacteria, fungi, parasites and replication of viruses; host-parasite interactions and pathogenesis of infectious diseases; mode of action of the major antimicrobial and antiviral agents and their mechanisms of resistance; main bacterial, fungal, parasitic and viral agents of infectious diseases in man.
The goal of the apprenticeship, aimed at small groups, is to enable the student to know and understand the main laboratory processes for the morphological and cultural study of bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses, and their in vitro susceptibility to antimicrobial and antiviral drugs.
The course also aims to provide the ability to use in the practice of medical profession the knowledge and understanding gained in the field of Microbiology.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
Introduction to Microbiology.
General characteristics of bacteria. Host-bacterium interactions and mechanisms of pathogenicity. Antibacterial drugs, mechanisms of action and resistance. Morphological, cultural, antigenic, pathogenic characteristics and drug susceptibility of the major bacterial agents of infectious diseases in man. Antibacterial immunoprophylaxis.
General characteristics of fungi. Host-fungus interactions and mechanisms of pathogenicity. Antifungal drugs, mechanisms of action and resistance. Etiological agents of human mycoses.
General characteristics of protozoa, helminths and arthropods and pathogenic mechanisms of action. Antiparasitic drugs. Life cycle of the main protozoa and helminths agents of infectious diseases in man. Major parasitic arthropods of medical interest.
General characteristics of viruses, mechanisms of pathogenic action. Antiviral drugs, mechanisms of action and resistance. Viroids, prions and virusoids. Morphological, structural, cultural, antigenic, and pathogenic characteristics of the main viruses agents of infectious diseases in man. Antiviral immunoprophylaxis.
Illustration of the main laboratory procedures for studying morphology and cultivation of bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses, and their in vitro susceptibility to antimicrobial and antiviral drugs. Observation of microscopic specimens and cultures of bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses.
Full programme
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Bibliography
M. La Placa. "Principi di Microbiologia Medica", Società Editrice Esculapio, Bologna.
P.R. Murray, K.S. Rosenthal, M.A. Pfaller. “Microbiologia Medica”, edra MASSON.
Teaching methods
The arguments relating to the content of the course will be presented and discussed through lectures held by the different lecturers appointed.
Assessment methods and criteria
Learning outcomes will be verified through an oral examination. No interim evaluation is programmed. Questions on the topics relating to the course content will be used to test 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). Honours will be reserved to students demonstrating particular communication skills and independent learning ability.
Other information
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