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 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. In vitro susceptibility assays of microorganisms and viruses to anti-infective agents. Criteria of direct and indirect microbiological diagnosis.
Topics related to Oral Microbiology, including microorganisms involved in dental plaque formation, caries, and periodontal disease will be particularly detailed.
Full programme
Bacteria: 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. Spread of drug resistance and its consequences. In vitro susceptibility assays of microorganisms and viruses to anti-infective agents. Innate and acquired immunity against infectious diseases. Criteria of direct and indirect microbiological diagnosis. Microorganisms involved in dental plaque formation, caries, and periodontal disease. Insights into infectious diseases caused by: staphylococci, streptococci and pneumococci, Neisseria, Haemophilus influenzae, Corynebacterium diphteriae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Candida species and other fungi, Herpesviridae, Papillomaviridae, Coronaviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Retroviridae, hepatitis viruses.
Bibliography
Conte M.P., Berlutti F. Microbiologia medica e Microbiologia del cavo orale. Società Editrice Esculapio, Bologna, 2021.
For further information:
Murray P.R., Pfaller M.A., Rosenthal K.S. “Microbiologia Medica”, EDRA.
Nona edizione, febbraio 2021 o più recente se disponibile.
Ryan K.J. Sherris – Microbiologia Medica, EDRA, settima edizione, settembre 2021 or newer if available.
Teaching methods
The topics concerning the contents of the course will be presented and discussed through lectures delivered in presence. 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. 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 one question, or proven inability to demonstrate at least a basic knowledge of 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 - 6 CFUs, Human Microbiome - 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 Learning Disabilities/Special Educational Needs must first contact the "Centro di Accoglienza e Inclusione" of the University of Parma (cai@unipr.it).
Other information
Teachers are available for further explanations in the office or by distance via Teams after e-mail appointment, or via chat on Elly platform.
2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
This course contributes to the achievement of the
goals of U. N. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development.
3. Good Health and well-being
4. Quality education
