Learning objectives
Microbiology course is part of the integrated course Pathophysiology and Microbiology.
The objectives of the course are to enable the acquisition of knowledge and understanding about the basics of microbiology (general characters of etiologic agents of infectious diseases, host-pathogen interactions and pathogenesis of infectious diseases, prophylaxis and therapy, drug resistance mechanisms, nosocomial infections), and provide the ability to apply the knowledge and understanding in occupational contexts in the approach to the patient with infectious diseases.
At the end of the course, the student, also exploiting the previously acquired knowledge concerning anatomy, biology and physiology, will need to demonstrate knowledge and understanding about the pathophysiological phenomena representing the basic events related to infectious diseases, the etiological agents of infectious diseases and their interactions with the host, the causes and consequences of nosocomial infections.
The student, applying the knowledge and understanding acquired, shall also be able, in collaboration with other professionals, to identify the problems related to infectious diseases and contribute to their prevention.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of biology, anatomy, biochemistry and physiology are needed to address the topics of the course.
Course unit content
Morphological and structural characteristics of microorganisms and viruses and their replication.
Cultivation of microorganisms and viruses.
Normal microbial population of humans.
Microbial and viral pathogenicity.
Antimicrobial agents.
Main microorganisms and viruses causing diseases in humans.
Laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases.
Full programme
Introduction: microorganisms and viruses.
Bacteriology. General characters of bacteria. Host-microbe interactions. Normal microbial population of humans. Microbial pathogenicity. Main pathogenic bacteria. Antimicrobial agents.
Mycology. General characters of fungi. Classification of mycoses. Common human mycoses. Antifungal agents.
Parasitology. General characters of protozoa. Common human protozoa infecting tissues and blood, intestinal and urogenital tracts. Helminths (notes).
Virology. Morphological and structural characteristics of viruses. Viral replicative cycle. Virus cultivation. Common human viral diseases.
Laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases. Pre-analytical phase: sample collection. Detection and identification of the etiologic agent. Antibody detection. Methods for antibacterial and antifungal susceptibility testing.
Bibliography
Visual aids made available online.
Harvey R.A., Champe P.C., Fisher B.D. Le basi della microbiologia Con approfondimenti clinici. Zanichelli
Teaching methods
Lectures accompanied by visual aids will be used to convey critical information on the topics relating to the course content.
Assessment methods and criteria
Learning outcomes will be verified through a written examination. The examination can be addressed, upon registration online, based on the official exams calendar of the Department. No interim evaluation is programmed. Multiple choice-question test on the topics relating to the course content 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 the approach to the patient with infectious diseases. Failure to answer a sufficient number of questions 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 (maximum 30, minimum 18) will be attributed according to the degree of achievement of the objectives (excellent, good, fair, fully sufficient, barely sufficient). The exam score will contribute to the final vote of the integrated course of Physiopathology and Microbiology, obtained on the basis of the average of the notes obtained in the two modules. Full marks with laude will be reserved to students who have demonstrated particular communication and autonomous learning skills. The result of the examination is communicated immediately to the student, and, after acceptance, it will be published on the ESSE3 portal (https://unipr.esse3.cineca.it/Home.do).
Other information
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