Learning objectives
Students have to know general characteristics of the pathogenic factors 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
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.
Full programme
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).
Bibliography
M. Bendinelli, C. Chezzi, G. Dettori, N. Manca, G. Morace, L. Polonelli, M.A.T u f a n o.
Microbiologia Medica. Batteriologia. Micologia. Virologia. Parassitologia. Monduzzi Editore
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
The outcomes of learning will be verified through an oral examination. By questions regarding the topics of the course it will be determined whether the student has achieved the goal of basic knowledge in the field, in order to access the following years of the bachelor course in TLB. 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
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