Learning objectives
Understanding specific characteristics of microorganisms: parasites , symbionts , mutualists and the different strategies and schemes of infection.Furthermore, understanding the mechanism of action of the organic defense systems.
Prerequisites
Have sufficient knowledge of general biology and biochemistry .
Course unit content
Biology of microorganisms as agents of infection and their unique characteristics .
Full programme
Current knowledge of general microbiology-virology correlated with the molecular virology as well as cellular-organized microbiology. Molecular basis of pathogenicity mechanisms and virulence for bacteria as well as viruses inducing infection.
Basis for the development of biological new molecules anti-infective. Structure of the bacterial cell. The mechanisms of the immune response actions.
· Humoral Primary and secondary response.
.Cellular or cell mediated rsponse.
·Humoral thymus-dependent and thymus-independent response.
.Natural immunity.
Cytotoxicity
· Cytokines and their role
The lymphocytes "killer"
The cells "natural killer"
Virology
· Definition of virus
- The different phases of viral multiplication
-Bacterial as well as human viruses
- Replication of the virus RNA, positive and negative polarity of the genome,single as well as double stranded.
- Replication of the nucleic acid in DNA viruses, double stranded and single stranded molecules.
- Expression of the viral genome
- Viruses, non oncogenic as well asoncogenic,with DNA and RNA genomes.
- Prions, viroids, virusoids
-Growth of viruses
growing in cell culture "in vitro": CPE, enzyme immunoassay and immunofluorescence
cultivation in embryonated eggs
cultivation in eukaryotic cells
· Viral interference
- Mediated by interferon, the interferon system and its mechanisms of action
· Interaction virus-organism
- Pathogenesis of viral infections
- Response of the host to viral infections
- Persistent infections.
Bibliography
Brock.General Microbiology
Teaching methods
Oral lectures with continual references to the general principles of the practice in the laboratory.
Assessment methods and criteria
Written test and oral exam
Other information
The course promotes the acquisition of independent judgment , in consideration of previous general knowledge and specific information obtained from suggested textbooks and educational materials provided
