Learning objectives
<br />Acquisition of essential knowledge about: bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses; host-pathogen interactions and pathogenesis of infectious diseases; mechanisms of action and use of common antimicrobial and antiviral agents; host immune response and prevention of infectious diseases.
Course unit content
<br />Origins and evolution of microorganisms and Microbiology. Microscopic observation of microorganisms and viruses. Structure and functions of the prokaryotic cell. Fungi. Protozoa. Viruses. Viroids and prions. Classification of microorganisms and viruses. Microbial growth and metabolism. Cultivation of microorganisms and viruses. Methods for microbial count. Microbial and viral genetics: Exchange of genetic information. Host-pathogen interactions. Normal flora of humans. Microbial pathogenicity and virulence factors. Viral pathogenesis. Common infectious diseases. Infection and immunity: Innate and acquired antimicrobial and antiviral immunity; Vaccines and sera. Microbial and viral strategies to escape host immune system. Physical and chemical means against microorganisms. Antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoan and antiviral agents: Mode of action, resistance and susceptibility testing. Pharmaceutical Microbiology: Industrial and Pharmaceutical Microbiology; Evaluation of mutagenic potency of chemical compounds: the Ames test; Recombinant DNA and pharmaceutical products.
Bibliography
<br />Testi consigliati:<br />P. MAZZA, C. DA CARRO. "Microbiologia Farmaceutica", Società Editrice Farmaceutica, Milano. <br /> <br />Testi da consultare: <br />HUGO-RUSSELL. "Microbiologia Farmaceutica", Editrice EMSI, Roma. <br />M. LA PLACA. "Principi di Microbiologia Medica", Società Editrice Esculapio, Bologna. <br />M. BENDINELLI, C. CHEZZI, G. DETTORI, N. MANCA, G. MORACE, L. POLONELLI, M.A. TUFANO. "Microbiologia Medica gli agenti infettivi dell’uomo: biologia, azione patogena, laboratorio", Monduzzi Editore, Bologna. <br />
