Learning objectives
The course aims to enable the student to know and understand the
principles and practice of the main methods for the laboratory diagnosis
of infections due to bacteria and fungi of medical
interest, and provide the ability to apply in occupational contexts the
knowledge and understanding acquired in the specific field.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
Principles of laboratory diagnosis of bacterial and fungal infections. Conventional diagnostic techniques and rapid methods for the diagnosis of the most important and frequent bacterial and fungal infections. Collection, transport, and preparation of biological samples for laboratory diagnosis of bacterial and fungal infections. In vitro antibacterial and antifungal susceptibility testing.
Full programme
BACTERIOLOGY: Biological specimens and laboratory diagnostic techniques for the detection and identification of specific Gram+ bacteria (staphylococci, streptococci, enterococci, Corynebacterium spp.) and Gram- bacteria (Enterobacteriaceae, Neisseria spp., Haemophilus spp., Legionella pneumophyla, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), bacterial antigen detection tests (agglutination, immunochromatographic, immunoenzymatic, immunofluorescence assays), nucleic acid detection tests (Real-time PCR, Film-Array, in situ hybridization [PNA-FISH]). Methods for laboratory diagnosis of mycobacterial infection. In vitro sensitivity assays to anti-bacterial drugs (manual and automated assays). Methods for the indirect diagnosis of bacterial infections: detection of antibodies by enzyme immunoassay, flocculation, agglutination, immunofluorescence, western blotting (with examples of applications). MICOLOGY: Identification techniques of yeasts and filamentous fungi. In vitro sensitivity assays to anti-fungal drugs. Fungal antigens detection. Detection of anti-fungal antibodies.
Bibliography
Visual aids made available online.
Teaching methods
Lectures accompanied by visual aids will be used to convey critical information on the topics relating to the course content. Lessons will be carried out with the help of slides elaborated by the teacher; lessons will be open to wide discussion with the participation of the students. Lessons will be carried out with the help of slides elaborated by the teacher. According to the regulation of the Italian Government and the University of Parma about the COVID-19 pandemics, the present course is realized with frontal lessons via mixed in-presence and at distance modality. In particular, the teacher takes lessons in the classroom with the help of PC (Powerpoint slides); simultaneous connection of the PC to the Teams platform in streaming modality ensures connection with students not present in the classroom. Each lesson is registered and loaded in the Elly portal of the course, together with the slides. The teacher is available for further explanations in office or by distance via Teams after e-mail appointment, or via chat on Elly platform.
Assessment methods and criteria
Learning outcomes will be verified through an oral examination. The examination can be addressed, upon registration online, based on the official exams calendar of the Department. By questions regarding the course content it will be ascertained whether the student has achieved the objective of knowledge and understanding of the scientific discipline and is able to properly use the technical-scientific language and apply the knowledge acquired in occupational contexts. The ascertained inability to answer a question or to prove at least a basic knowledge of the subject will prevent the successful completion of the exam. In case of passing the exam, the attribution of the vote, expressed in thirtieths, will be carried out according to the degree of achievement of the objectives (excellent, good, fair, fully sufficient, barely sufficient). 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).
In case the COVID-related sanitary emergence continues, the examination will proceed on the Teams platform (see the guidelines at the address: http://selma.unipr.it/).
Other information
The program of the course of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology II, that includes two modules, Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology B and Diagnostic Techniques of Clinical Microbiology B could be divided/reorganized between the two modules, in full compliance with the program itself and with the assigned teaching commitment.
2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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