MICROBIOLOGY AND CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
cod. 1009901

Academic year 2022/23
2° year of course - First semester
Professor responsible for the course unit
CONTI Stefania
integrated course unit
8 credits
hub: PARMA
course unit
in ITALIAN

Course unit structured in the following modules:

Learning objectives

The course aims to allow the student to know and understand updated basics knowledge about the taxonomic, morphological, physiological, genetic, pathogenetic, epidemiological, and drug susceptibility of bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses etiologic agents of human infectious diseases, along with the criteria relating to the direct and indirect laboratory diagnosis of diseases caused by human pathogens. The course also aims to provide the ability to apply in occupational contexts the knowledge and understanding gained in the field of Microbiology and microbiological diagnosis.

Prerequisites

None

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), general information on the main infectious diseases, antimicrobial and antiviral drugs and related mechanisms of resistance.
Criteria of direct and indirect microbiological diagnosis. Bacteriological, mycological, parasitological and virological microscopic examination.
Bacteriological, mycological, parasitological and virological cultural
examination. Search for components of pathogens (antigens, nucleic acids). Bacteriological, mycological, parasitological and virological
serological examination. In vitro susceptibility assays of microorganisms and viruses to anti-infective agents.
Topics related to Oral Microbiology, including oral microbiota and microorganisms involved in dental plaque formation, caries, and periodontal disease will be particularly detailed.

Full programme

See the extended programs of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology and Principles of
microbiological diagnosis.

Bibliography

Conte M.P., Berlutti F. Microbiologia medica e Microbiologia del cavo orale. Società Editrice Esculapio, Bologna, 2021.

Eudes Lanciotti - Microbiologia Clinica. V ed., – Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milano, 2021.

Per approfondimenti:
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 delivered in presence, unless otherwise indicated by the University. During the lessons 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 supported by slide presentations (PowerPoint), which will be made available to students on the Elly platform.

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. 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/). 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 he/she 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). Honors will be awarded to students who have demonstrated particular communication and autonomous learning skills.
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-chesupporto-studenti-con-disabilita-dsa-bes).

Other information

Teachers are available for further explanations in office or by distance via Teams, after e-mail appointment, or via chat on Elly platform.