Learning objectives
The course aims to allow the student to know and understand updated basics and scientific knowledge about the taxonomic, morphological, physiological, genetic, pathogenetic, epidemiological, immunological and pharmacological characteristics of bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses etiologic agents of human infectious diseases. It also aims to provide the ability to evaluate, interpret and manage microbiological and virological approaches for the diagnosis, therapy and prophylaxis of oral infections and to control care-related infections in dentistry and to use in professional contexts the knowledge and understanding acquired in the field of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology.
Prerequisites
None
Course unit content
The course includes, after the presentation and a brief introduction to Microbiology, the treatment of aspects related to: general characteristics 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), general information on the main infectious diseases, antimicrobial and antiviral drugs and related mechanisms of resistance, infection and immunity and prevention of infectious diseases. Particularly in-depth will be the topics related to Oral Microbiology, including oral microbiota, plaque, caries, periodontal diseases and their control.
Full programme
Introduction to Microbiology. Evolution of microorganisms and microbiology. Bacteria: cell structure, classification, reproduction, sporogenesis and germination, metabolism, cultivation, genetics, mechanisms of pathogenicity. Human pathogenic fungi: yeasts, molds. Human pathogenic parasites: protozoa, metazoa. Viruses: chemical composition and structure, classification, replication, interference, cultivation and titration, mechanisms of pathogenicity. General outlines of infectious diseases: endogenous and exogenous infections. Antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antiviral drugs. Mechanisms of resistance of pathogens to anti-infective drugs. Innate and acquired immunity against infectious diseases. Vaccines and infectiuos diseases. The mouth as a microbial habitat. Oral microbiota: acquisition, adhesion, distribution and metabolism. Dental plaque. Dental caries. Periodontal diseases. Bacterial, fungal and viral infections of the oral cavity. Principles of therapy and prophylaxis of oral infections. Care-related diseases in dentistry. Microbiological principles of disinfection and sterilization. Insights into agents and infectious diseases of general medical and dental interest: streptococci and pneumococci, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, tetanus, diphtheria. whooping cough, Candida and fungi responsible for superficial, muco-cutaneous, subcutaneous and deep mycoses, toxoplasmosis, malaria, poxvirus, herpesvirus (H. simplex, H. varicella/zoster), coxsackievirus, coronavirus, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A, B, C and D, HPV, HIV, ebola.
Bibliography
Carlone N., Pompei R., Tullio V. Microbiologia Farmaceutica. (3^ ed.), EdiSES Università editore, Napoli, 2020
La Placa M.. Principi di Microbiologia Medica (XIV ed.), Esculapio EdiSES editore, Napoli, 2014
Marsh & Martin’s. Oral Microbiology. 6th Ed. Elsevier, 2016
Conte M.P., Berlutti F. Microbiologia medica e Microbiologia del cavo orale. Società Editrice Esculapio, Bologna, 2021
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) and will include slide presentations of the lectures.
Assessment methods and criteria
The assessment of the achievement of the objectives set by the course will be carried out by means of an oral exam in presence or telepresence, with the support of the Teams platform (guide http://selma.unipr.it/). No interim evaluation is programmed. Questions on the topics relating to the course content will be used to ascertain the student’s knowledge and understanding of the scientific discipline and whether is able to use appropriately the technical-scientific language and to apply the knowledge acquired in the exercise of the profession. 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 exam, the attribution of the grade, expressed in thirtieths, will be based on the degree of achievement of the objectives (excellent, good, fair, fully sufficient, sufficient, in the range between 30/30 and 18/30). This score will contribute to the final grade of the integrated course of Microbiology and Hygiene (Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology - 6 CFUs, Principles of microbiological diagnosis - 2 CFUs, General and applied hygiene - 2 CFUs), obtained on the basis of the average of the marks awarded in the different modules. Honors will be awarded to students who have demonstrated particular communication and autonomous learning skills. The result of the exam is communicated immediately to the student, and, after its acceptance, is then published on the ESSE3 portal (https://unipr.esse3.cineca.it/Home.do). 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/le-eli-che-supporto-studenti-con-disabilita-dsa-bes).
Other information
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