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
overview of the biological samples their collection, transportation, and preservation procedures
overview of the general methods used for the laboratory diagnosis of bacterial, fungal, parasitic and viral infections
- demonstration of the infecting agent or its components directly in the biological sample:
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;
demonstration of an immunoreaction by the detection of specific antibodies usind two serum samples and detection of IgM antibodies.
Overview of the microbiological methods to demonstrate infections by pathogenic spirochaetes (Treponema pallidum, borrelia, leptospira)
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.
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).
Overview of the most frequent used methods to prevent and control the infections: specific and non specific immunoprofilaxis including passive and active immunization.
Bibliography
M. Bendinelli, C. Chezzi, Dettori G., Manca N., Morace G., Polonelli L., Tufano M. A.
“Microbiologia Medica: gli agenti infettivi dell’uomo- biologia, azione patogena, laboratorio"
Monduzzi Editore
