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. The course also aims to provide the ability to apply in occupational contexts the knowledge and understanding gained 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 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. 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
ntroduction 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, viral interference, cultivation and titration, mechanisms of pathogenicity. General outlines of infectious diseases: endogenous and exogenous infections, healthcare-associated infections. Antimicrobial and antiviral drugs, mechanisms of action and resistance. Innate and acquired immunity against infectious diseases. The mouth as a microbial habitat. Oral microbiota. Microorganisms involved in dental plaque formation, caries, and periodontal disease. Insights into infectious diseases caused by: staphylococci, streptococci and pneumococci, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, Clostridium tetani, Corynebacterium diphteriae, Bordetella pertussis, Candida species and other fungi, Poxviridae, Herpesviridae, Papillomaviridae, Coronaviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Picornaviridae, Retroviridae, hepatitis viruses.
Bibliography
Conte M.P., Berlutti F. Microbiologia medica e Microbiologia del cavo orale. Società Editrice Esculapio, Bologna, 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). This score will contribute to the final grade of the integrated course (Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology - 6 CFUs, Principles of microbiological diagnosis - 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. 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
Teachers are available for further explanations in office or by distance via Teams after e-mail appointment, or via chat on Elly platform.
