Learning objectives
The first objective of the Microbiology course is to enable the acquisition of knowledge and understanding about the basics of microbiology (bacteria, fungi, protozoa, metazoa and viruses of medical interest); host-pathogen interactions and pathogenesis of infectious diseases; mechanisms of action and use of common antimicrobial and antiviral agents, related mechanisms of resistance, emergence and spread of drug-resistance; host immune response to infectious agents; laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases; prevention of infectious diseases. A further objective is to provide the ability to apply in occupational contexts the knowledge and understanding acquired in the field of Microbiology and the required communication skills.
Prerequisites
Getting through Fisiologia Generale and Biochimica/Biochimica Applicata
Course unit content
Introduction to Microbiology. General characters and genetics of microorganisms and viruses, microbial metabolism and cultivation of microorganisms and viruses, host-parasite relationships in infection and infectious disease (pathogenicity and virulence). Antimicrobial and antiviral drugs and related mechanisms of resistance. Host defenses against infections. Laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases. Prevention of infectious diseases. Mode of transmission of infectious diseases. Active and passive immune prophylaxis, chempprophylaxis. Microorganisms in the pharmaceutical industry.
Full programme
Introduction to Medical Microbiology. The different fields of microbiology. Microscopic observation of microorganisms and viruses. Optical and electronic microscopy.
Bacteriology. Bacteriologic stains. Structural and functional characteristics of the prokaryotic cell. The bacterial spore; bacterial reproduction. Bacterial metabolism. Classification of bacteria; Cultivation of bacteria, culture media; The bacterial growth curve. Methods for the quantitative determination of microorganisms. Bacterial genetics, chromosomal and extrachromosomal DNA, Transfer of genetic material and Recombination in bacteria: Transformation, Conjugation and Transduction; Mutations; Ames test. Host-microorganism relationships. Human Microbiota. Endogenous and exogenous infectious diseases, healthcare-associated infections. Koch's postulates. Mechanisms of bacterial pathogenicity, pathogenicity and virulence. Invasive mechanisms; Bacterial toxins.
Mycology. General characters of fungi. Pathogenic mechanisms of fungi. Classification of mycoses. Mycotoxicoses.
Parasitology. General characters of protozoa. Classification of protozoa of medical interest. Flagellates of the intestinal and urogenital tracts. Hemoflagellates; Host-associated amoebas and free-living amoebas. Sporozoa with intestinal localization. Toxoplasma gondii. Plasmodia responsible for human malaria. Ciliates. Microsporidia. General characters and classification of metazoans of medical interest (helminths). Nematodes, Trematodes and Cestodes; Ectoparasitic arthropods.
Virology. General characters of viruses, morphology and structure. The viral replication cycle. Pathogenic action of viruses; Virus cultivation; Viroids and virusoids. Prions.
Host's defenses against infections. Innate immunity, acquired immunity.
The laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases.
Antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal and antiviral agents Mechanisms of drug resistance. Spread of drug-resistance and its consequences.
Prevention of Infectious Diseases. Direct and indirect prophylaxis, active and passive immune prophylaxis, chemoprophylaxis. Mode of transmission of infectious diseases. Foodborne diseases, parenteral transmitted diseases and their prevention. Vaccinoprophylaxis, aims of vaccination, vaccine groups. Vaccination groups, vaccination calendar. Sterilization and Disinfection.
Microorganisms in the pharmaceutical industry. Pharmaceuticals and recombinant DNA technology.
Bibliography
Visual aids made available online;
N. CARLONE. "Microbiologia Farmaceutica", Società Editrice EdiSES, Napoli, ultima edizione disponibile.
Murray P.R., Pfaller M.A., Rosenthal K.S. “Microbiologia Medica”, EDRA.
Nona edizione, febbraio 2021 o più recente se disponibile.
oppure Ryan K.J. Sherris – Microbiologia Medica, EDRA, settima edizione,
settembre 2021 o più recente se disponibile.
Teaching methods
The topics concerning the contents of the course will be presented and
discussed through lectures. The main concepts of each topic will be
exposed, emphasizing the links between the various parts of the course
and encouraging the active participation of the students. Lectures will be
held on-site in compliance with safety standards, provided that further
instructions on the ongoing health emergency are not implemented.
Supporting material will be available on the specific, student-reserved
platform (Elly).
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 (maximum 30, minimim 18) 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.
Students with SLD/BSE must first contact Le Eli-che: support for students with disabilities, D.S.A., B.E.S. (https://sea.unipr.it/it/servizi/leeli-
chesupportostudenti-con-disabilita-dsa-bes).
Other information
