Learning objectives
To give the basic knowledge for the laboratory diangosis of the infectous diesases.
Prerequisites
examinations of the first and second years of the course.
Course unit content
<p> overview of the biological samples their collection, transportation, and preservation procedures <br />
overview of the general methods used for the laboratory diagnosis of bacterial, fungal, parasitic and viral infections <br />
- demonstration of the infecting agent or its components directly in the biological sample: <br />
microscopic examination (wet mount, permanent staining); electron microscopy, detection of specific antigens (immunoassay – ELISA- immunofluorescence assay); detection of specific nucleic acids by in situ hybridization assay, polymerase chain reaction (PCR); retrotranscription- PCR assay (RT-PCR), real time PCR; <br />
demonstration of an immunoreaction by the detection of specific antibodies usind two serum samples and detection of IgM antibodies. <br />
Overview of the microbiological methods to demonstrate infections by pathogenic spirochaetes (Treponema pallidum, borrelia, leptospira) <br />
Overview of the life cycles of some parasites and the laboratory diagnostic methods for the parasitic infections caused by protozoa (Toxoplasma gondii, free-living amoebae Acanthamoeba and Naegleria, Trichomonas vaginalis, leishmania, elmints (Taenia solium, Taenia saginata, Echinococcus, nematode, Trichinella spp).; infections by arthropods: ticks, lices, maggots causing myasis, mites.</p>
<p>Overview of the diagnostic procedures for the viral infections transmitted by parenteral way (HAV, HBV, HCV, HIV), viral infections of skin and muchosal (HPV, HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV), viral infections of the respiratory tract (influenza virses, adenovirus, rhinovirus).<br />
Overview of the most frequent used methods to prevent and control the infections: specific and non specific immunoprofilaxis including passive and active immunization. <br />
</p>
Bibliography
M. Bendinelli, C. Chezzi, Dettori G., Manca N., Morace G., Polonelli L., Tufano M. A. <br />
“Microbiologia Medica: gli agenti infettivi dell’uomo- biologia, azione patogena, laboratorio" <br />
Monduzzi Editore <br />
I. De Carneri. Parassitologia medica. Ed Ambrosiana.