Learning objectives
Students have to know general characteristics, the pathogenic factors and basic laboratory diagnostic techniques related to microorganisms and viruses. In addition, they must be able to apply this knowledge in the workplace.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of biology, biochemistry and physiology are suitable to understand the course topics successfully.
Course unit content
Module: MICROBIOLOGY AND CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY A
Main morphological and structural characteristics and life cycle of bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites (protozoa).
Resident microbial population.
Pathogenicity of microorganisms and viruses. Antibacterial and antifungal drugs.
Main protozoa of medical interest.
Module: DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY A
Basic microscopic and culture techniques for the laboratory diagnosis of bacterial, fungal and viral infections; main techniques for laboratory diagnosis of infection by the principal protozoa of medical interest.
Full programme
Module: MICROBIOLOGY AND CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY A
BACTERIOLOGY
Structural and functional characteristics of the prokaryotic cell. Comparison between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Sporogenesis and germination. Metabolism and curve of growth. Host-bacterium interactions. Resident bacterial population. Mechanisms of pathogenicity. Antibacterial drugs. Mechanisms of resistance to antibacterial drugs.
MYCOLOGY
General characteristics of fungi. Structure of the fungal cell and fungal colony. Yeasts and moulds. Reproduction of fungi. Mechanisms of fungal pathogenicity. Fungal dimorphism.
VIROLOGY
General features of viruses. Morphology and structure of viruses. Nucleic acids of viruses. Host-virus interactions: steps of viral infection. Effects of virus replication on host cell (productive and abortive infection; lysogeny; virus-induced transformation). Viral interference. Classification of viruses.
PARASITOLOGY
General features of protozoa. Life cycle of principal blood and tissue parasitic protozoa: Plasmodium sp., Leishmania, Toxoplasma gondii, free-living amoebae. Life cycle of the principal intestinal parasitic protozoa: intestinal amoebae (Entamoeba histolytica), Flagellates (Giardia intestinalis), Coccidia (Cryptosporidium spp.). Life cycle of the principal genito-urinary parasitic protozoa (Trichomonas vaginalis).
Module: DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY A
BACTERIOLOGY
Techniques for microscopic examination: simple and differential staining. Metabolism Cultivation techniques: liquid and agar media.
PARASITOLOGY
Techniques for the laboratory diagnosis of infection by the principal protozoa of medical interest: Plasmodium sp., Leishmania, Toxoplasma gondii, free-living amoebae, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia intestinalis, Cryptosporidium spp.), Trichomonas vaginalis.
MYCOLOGY
Techniques for microscopic examination and cultivation of yeasts and filamentous fungi.
VIROLOGY
Techniques for microscopic examination of viruses: electron microscopy; use of optical and fluorescence microscopy for viral infection laboratory diagnosis.
Cultivation of viruses: use of tissue cultures; cell culture (rapid and conventional methods).
Principles of laboratory diagnosis of microbial and viral infections.
Bibliography
M.Bendinelli, A. Calderaro, C. Chezzi, G. Dettori, N. Manca, G. Morace, L. Polonelli, M.A. Tufano - Monduzzi Editore - Microbiologia Medica: Batteriologia, Parassitologia, Virologia. Gli agenti infettivi dell'uomo: biologia, azione patogena, laboratorio.
Iconographic material used in class available on the Elly site, on the course page.
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 via mixed in-presence and at distance modality. In particular, the teacher takes lessons in the classroom with the help of PC (Powerpoint slides); simultaneous connection of the PC to the Teams platform in streaming modality ensures connection with students not present in the classroom. Each lesson is registered and loaded in the Elly portal of the course, together with the slides. 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 an oral examination. The examination can be addressed, upon registration online, based on the official exams calendar of the Department. By questions regarding the course content it will be ascertained whether the student has achieved the objective of knowledge and understanding of the scientific discipline in order to access the following years of the bachelor course in TLB. The ascertained inability to answer a question or to prove at least a basic knowledge of the subject will prevent the successful completion of the exam. In case of passing the exam, the attribution of the vote, expressed in thirtieths, will be carried out according to the degree of achievement of the objectives (excellent, good, fair, fully sufficient, barely sufficient). The final vote of the integrated course of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology I will result from the average of the notes obtained in the two modules. Full marks with laude will be reserved to students who have demonstrated particular communication and autonomous learning skills. The result of the examination is communicated immediately to the student, and, after acceptance, it will be published on the ESSE3 portal (https://unipr.esse3.cineca.it/Home.do).
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
The program of the course of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology I, that includes two modules, Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology A and Diagnostic Techniques of Clinical Microbiology A, carried out by two teachers, could be divided/reorganized between the teachers holding the two modules, in full compliance with the program itself and with the assigned teaching commitment.
2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
- - -
