Learning objectives
Microbiology course is part of the integrated course Pathophysiology and Microbiology.
The objectives of the course are to enable the acquisition of knowledge and understanding about the basics of microbiology (general characters of etiologic agents of infectious diseases, host-pathogen interactions and pathogenesis of infectious diseases, prophylaxis and therapy, drug resistance mechanisms, nosocomial infections), and provide the ability to apply the knowledge and understanding in occupational contexts in the approach to the patient with infectious diseases.
At the end of the course, the student, also exploiting the previously acquired knowledge concerning anatomy, biology and physiology, will need to demonstrate knowledge and understanding about the pathophysiological phenomena representing the basic events related to infectious diseases, the etiological agents of infectious diseases and their interactions with the host, the causes and consequences of nosocomial infections.
The student, applying the knowledge and understanding acquired, shall also be able, in collaboration with other professionals, to identify the problems related to infectious diseases and contribute to their prevention.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of biology, anatomy, biochemistry and physiology are needed to address the topics of the course.
Course unit content
Morphological and structural characteristics of microorganisms and viruses and their replication.
Cultivation of microorganisms and viruses.
Normal microbial population of humans.
Microbial and viral pathogenicity.
Antimicrobial agents.
Main microorganisms and viruses causing diseases in humans.
Laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases.
Full programme
Introduction: microorganisms and viruses.
Bacteriology. General characters of bacteria. Host-microbe interactions. Normal microbial population of humans. Microbial pathogenicity. Main pathogenic bacteria. Antimicrobial agents.
Mycology. General characters of fungi. Classification of mycoses. Common human mycoses. Antifungal agents.
Parasitology. General characters of protozoa. Common human protozoa infecting tissues and blood, intestinal and urogenital tracts. Helminths (notes).
Virology. Morphological and structural characteristics of viruses. Viral replicative cycle. Virus cultivation. Common human viral diseases.
Laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases. Pre-analytical phase: sample collection. Detection and identification of the etiologic agent. Antibody detection. Methods for antibacterial and antifungal susceptibility testing.
Bibliography
Visual aids made available online.
Harvey R.A., Champe P.C., Fisher B.D. Le basi della microbiologia Con approfondimenti clinici. Zanichelli
Teaching methods
Lectures accompanied by visual aids will be used to convey critical information on the topics relating to the course content. Lessons will be carried out with the help of slides elaborated by the teacher; lessons will be open to wide discussion with the participation of the students. Lessons will be carried out with the help of slides elaborated by the teacher. According to the regulation of the Italian Government and the University of Parma about the COVID-19 pandemics, the present course is realized with frontal lessons. In particular, the teacher takes lessons in the classroom with the support of Powerpoint slides; the latter will be loaded in the Elly portal of the course. The teacher is available for further explanations in office or by distance via Teams after e-mail appointment, or via chat on Elly platform.
Assessment methods and criteria
Learning outcomes will be verified through a multiple-choice written test for microbiology followed by an oral examination (physiopathology). The test will be considered positive only if the student will be able to pass both tests in a satisfactory manner, demonstrating in-depth knowledge and appropriate understanding.
The final grade will take into account the evaluation of all the teachers who make up the Board of Examiners. 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/).
Other information
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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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