AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims, after a quick review of the general characteristics of the microbial cell, to provide insights into the main bacterial and viral species of clinical relevance for the the human health, with a focus on the main species responsible for infections of the respiratory, genito-urinary, gastro-enteric, skin and bone, cardio-circulatory and central nervous system. The main diagnostic methods and techniques necessary for an aetiological diagnosis of infectious diseases will also be introduced. This information will complement the other insights provided by the integrated modules forming part of this course.

TEACHING METHODS

The course consists of 20 lectures, totalling 40 hours of on site teaching.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Introduction to Medical Microbiology
• General bacteriology

1. Bacterial cell structure
2. Genetic material exchange, biofilms
3. Bacterial metabolism
4. Spore
5. Microorganism-host interactions, microbiota
6. Mechanisms of virulence and direct and indirect bacterial pathogenicity
7. Toxins
8. Antibiotics (generalities, mechanisms of action and resistance of the main groups)

• Special bacteriology

1. General characteristics, mechanisms of pathogenicity, clinical manifestations of the main bacterial pathogens (Staphylococci, Streptococci, Pneumococci, Enterococci, Enterobacteria, non-fermenting Gram-negative bacteria, Haemophilus, Moraxelle, Neisseria species, atypical pathogens)

• Microbial and viral ecology
• General Virology

1. Structure of animal viruses
2. Viral replication
3. Viral replicative classes
4. Viral pathogenicity

• Special Virology

1. General characteristics, mechanisms of pathogenicity, clinical manifestations of the main viruses (herpesviruses, influenza viruses, HIV, HPV, hepatitis viruses)

• General mycology

1. Fungal cell structure
2. Antifungal drugs (generalities, mechanisms of action and resistance)

• Microbiological diagnostics (direct, indirect, antibiogram, MIC)
• Laboratory diagnostic workflows (circulatory system infections, respiratory system infections, gastro-intestinal infections, CNS infections, urinary tract infections)

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cevenini R. - Microbiologia Clinica per i corsi di Laurea in Professioni Sanitarie - PICCIN editore

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

CRISTINA CUSATO (President)

MADDALENA MASTROGIACOMO (President)

LAURA TASSI (President)

VINCENZO DI PILATO (President and Coordinator of Integrated Course)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

First semester, as per the calendar published on the course website

Class schedule

MICROBIOLOGY AND CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The examination consists of an oral test and covers the syllabus taught during the lectures.

A mark of no less than 18/30 is required to pass the examination. A mark of 30/30 with possible honours will be awarded when knowledge of the subject is excellent.

The examination will comply with the rules on the assessment of students with SLD or other educational needs indicated by the University (e.g.: additional time in the case of written examinations, use of concept maps to be viewed for approval by lecturers at least one week before the examination date).

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The verification of learning takes place through the final examination only, which aims to ascertain the student's effective acquisition of the expected learning outcomes. In order to pass the examination, the student must demonstrate knowledge of:

• the main characteristics of prokaryotes, eukaryotes and viruses and their classification;
• the relationships of microorganisms with the host;
• the characteristics of bacteria;
• mechanisms of bacterial pathogenicity and of the virulence factors;
• the main classes of chemotherapeutics and antibiotics (beta-lactams, fosfomycin, glycopeptides, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, quinolones, chloramphenicol, macrolides, clindamycin, oxazolidinones, streptogramins, nitroimidazoles, rifampicins) and their main characteristics (spectrum of action, target, mechanisms of bacterial resistance). Bacterial susceptibility and resistance to antimicrobials and in vitro drug susceptibility testing;
• the virulence factors and mechanisms of pathogenicity of the main human pathogenic species: Staphylococci, Streptococci, Pneumococci, Enterococci, Enterobacteria, non-fermenting Gram-negative bacteria, Haemophilus, Neisseria species, atypical pathogens;
• the general characteristics of viruses (virus structure, genome structure, capsid structure, virus classification, viral replication, hints of viral genetics);
• the mechanisms of pathogenesis of viral infections (virus transmission and penetration into the host, dissemination, tropism, virulence and cytopathogenicity, persistence, latency, reactivation);
• the mechanisms of pathogenicity of the main human viruses Herpesviruses, influenza viruses, HIV, HPV, hepatitis viruses;
• the general characteristics of mycetes and antifungal drugs;
• the basic principles of microbiological diagnostics (direct, indirect, antibiogram, MIC)
• the main laboratory diagnostic pathways (circulatory tract infections, urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, gastro-intestinal infections; sexually transmitted infections);

FURTHER INFORMATION

Required propaedeutic teachings:

• 65456 ANATOMIA-ISTOLOGIA
• 87016 TIROCINIO I ANNO
• 66899 FISIOLOGIA E BIOCHIMICA

If additional information are needed, please contact the faculty.