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 viruses ansd infestations due to parasites of medical interest, and provide the ability to apply in occupational contexts the knowledge and understanding acquired in the specific field.
Prerequisites
Passing examinations of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology (I and II year of the degree).
Course unit content
The course deals with the principles of the laboratory diagnosis of infections by parasites and viruses, and the subdivision of diagnostic methods in relation to the detection target, the running time or investigation completion.
The lessons are directed to the processing of the biological sample: transport, storage and preparation for the different laboratory investigations, and to the detailed description of conventional and rapid techniques for the direct and indirect laboratory diagnosis of infections caused by parasites and viruses.
Full programme
VIROLOGY
- Techniques for preparing clinical samples for virological investigations.
- Techniques for electron microscopy, cell culture (rapid and
conventional methods), identification of cytopathogenic agents, antigen
detection (agglutination test, immunochromatographic, enzyme
immunoassay, immunofluorescence) nucleic acid detection (PCR, nPCR and real time PCR), antibody detection (enzyme immunoassay, immunofluorescence, western blotting, immunoblotting) for the laboratory diagnosis of the most relevant viral infections
of the respiratory , enteric, urogenital tracts, skin and mucous membranes, liver, eyes, lymphoid and hematopoietic systems, nervous system, congenital, connatal and perinatal infections and arbovirus infections.
PARASITOLOGY
- Principles of laboratory diagnosis of infestation:
Cestodes (Diphyllobothrium latum, Taenia solium, Taenia saginata,
Echinococcus). Trematodes (Schistosomes).
Nematodes (Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, Enterobius vermicularis, Trichinella spiralis).
Bibliography
Visual aids made available by teachers;
MICROBIOLOGIA MEDICA – Gli agenti infettivi dell’uomo: biologia, azione patogena, diagnosi di laboratorio. PARASSITOLOGIA . M. Bendinelli, A. Calderaro, C. Chezzi, G. Dettori, N. Manca, G. Morace, L. Polonelli, M.A. Tufano. MONDUZZI EDITORIALE. Anno 2012.
MICROBIOLOGIA MEDICA – Gli agenti infettivi dell’uomo: biologia, azione
patogena, diagnosi di laboratorio. VIROLOGIA. M. Bendinelli, C. Chezzi, G. Dettori, N. Manca, G. Morace, L. Polonelli, M.A. Tufano. MONDUZZI EDITORIALE. Anno 2007.
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. In particular, the teacher takes lessons in the classroom with the support of Powerpoint slides; the latter will be loaded in the Elly portal of the course. 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 III, that includes two modules, Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology C and Diagnostic Techniques of Clinical Microbiology C 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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