Learning objectives
The course aims to provide knowledge of the various methodological approaches that can be used for the microbiological and virological diagnosis of infectious diseases and to stimulate the ability to understand the different diagnostic strategies adopted based on the biological characteristics and pathogenicity of etiological agents, as well as the host response to infections.
The course also aims to promote the ability to apply the knowledge acquired through participation in practical laboratory activities.
At the end of the course, the student will have acquired the fundamental knowledge for choosing the most appropriate diagnostic methods and interpreting the laboratory reports obtained.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
The first part of the course covers the principles of laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases related to the pre-analytical phase (medical prescription, sampling, transport, and storage of the biological sample), analytical phase (laboratory diagnosis of direct and indirect infection) and post-analytical phase (reporting and archiving of diagnostic results). In parallel, the main methods used for the laboratory diagnosis of bacterial, fungal, parasitic and viral infections will be illustrated.
The second part of the course, drawing on the premises of references on the pathogenesis of infections, their epidemiology, and the available prophylaxis systems, will focus on illustrating the diagnostic algorithms used for the laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases affecting the systems and apparatuses of the human body.
Full programme
The principles of laboratory diagnosis of infection:
- medical prescription;
- methods of collection, transport and storage of the biological sample for microbiological and virological diagnostic tests;
- search for the pathogen and/or its components in the biological sample (direct diagnosis);
- search for a specific immune response (indirect diagnosis);
- reporting and archiving of diagnostic results.
Characteristics of the main methods used for the laboratory diagnosis of bacterial, fungal, parasitic and viral infections.
Laboratory diagnostic procedures and interpretation of the results of microbiological and virological tests relating to:
- respiratory tract infections;
- gastrointestinal tract infections;
- liver infections;
- cardiovascular tract infections;
- central nervous system infections;
- genitourinary tract infections;
- sexually transmitted infections;
- skin infections;
- osteoarticular tract infections;
- prenatal, connatal and perinatal infections;
- systemic infections.
Determination of the sensitivity/resistance of pathogens to antibiotics.
Bibliography
Microbiologia Medica. Murray P.R., Pfaller M.A., Rosenthal K.S. Edizioni EDRA
Sherris. Microbiologia medica. J. Ryan Kenneth. Edizioni EDRA
Principi di microbiologia medica. Guido Antonelli, Massimo Clementi, Gianni Pozzi. Editore CEA
Microbiologia clinica. Per i corsi di laurea in medicina e chirurgia e in professioni sanitarie. Roberto Cevenini. Editore Piccin-Nuova Libraria.
Teaching methods
The lessons will be held in person. The teaching material will be deposited on the specific platform with reserved access for students (Elly) and will include the slides shown during the lessons. During the lectures, the topics regarding the contents of the course will be illustrated and discussed.
Through the practical teaching activity in the laboratory (internship), representative results of microbiological and virological investigations and some diagnostic procedures will be illustrated and discussed.
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral exam (together with the other teachings of the integrated course).
Through questions regarding the contents of the course, it will be ascertained whether the student has achieved the objective of knowledge and understanding of the contents and whether she/he can apply the knowledge acquired in the exercise of the profession.
Other information
The teacher is available for clarifications by appointment agreed via email.
