INGLESE

English

The course includes the study of cellular and molecular bases of microbial pathogenicity, microorganism-host interactions, infections and immunity, antimicrobial drugs, microbial biotechnology and their applications in molecular diagnostics, cellular and molecular therapy. Fields of disciplinary interest are bacteriology, virology, mycology, parasitology and vaccinology.

Sherris; Microbiologia Medica; EMSI
Murray; Microbiologia medica; last Ed Edra

At the end of the Microbiology course, the student must show the knowledge of the following as :
i) structure and replication cycle of bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi;
ii) laboratory procedures for the diagnosis of infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites;

iii) principles of microbial genetics and the effects on the diffusion of resistance to drugs and on the pathogenicity of microorganisms;
iv) defense mechanisms available to the multicellular host against infectious agents, and the mechanisms of damage to the host of the main human pathogens;
v) the mechanism of action of the main antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiparasitic drugs and the molecular mechanisms responsible for the emergence and diffusion of the resistances;
vi) the epidemiology, transmission modalities and pathogenesis of the infectious agents specified in the program.
More precisely:
1. Knowledge and Understanding (Conoscenza e capacità di comprensione)
The student must demonstrate foundational knowledge of microbial life and its interaction with the human host.
• Microbial Diversity: Identify the morphology, physiology, and classification of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
• Pathogenesis: Explain the mechanisms of microbial pathogenicity, including virulence factors and how microbes cause infectious diseases.
• Host-Microbe Interactions: Understand the role of the human microbiota in health and the principles of the immune response to infection.
2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding (Capacità di applicare conoscenza e comprensione)
The student should be able to use theoretical knowledge to solve practical clinical or laboratory problems. • Diagnostic Reasoning: Correlate clinical manifestations of a patient with laboratory data to establish a preliminary microbiological diagnosis.
• Laboratory Skills: Demonstrate proficiency in fundamental techniques, such as Gram staining, microbial culturing, and interpreting antibiotic susceptibility tests (antibiograms).
• Treatment Strategy: Describe the mechanism of action for major antibacterial and antifungal drugs and apply this to infection management.
3. Making Judgements (Autonomia di giudizio)
The student must develop the ability to critically evaluate scientific and clinical information.
• Diagnostic Evaluation: Critically assess the validity and limitations of different microbiological diagnostic methods (e.g., molecular vs. culture-based tests).
• Infection Control: Evaluate the risk of healthcare-associated infections and propose appropriate prevention or surveillance measures.
4. Communication Skills (Abilità comunicative)
The student should be able to convey information clearly to both professional and lay audiences.
• Scientific Literacy: Use correct scientific terminology when describing infectious processes or laboratory results.
5. Learning Skills (Capacità di apprendere)
The student must develop the tools for lifelong professional updating in a rapidly evolving field.
• Scientific Research: Autonomously consult and understand advanced scientific texts, bibliographic databases, and clinical guidelines.
• Self-Directed Learning: Identify personal knowledge gaps and utilize online resources or research to stay updated on emerging pathogens and new antimicrobial therapies.
To reach the "minimum contents" the student must demonstrate a foundational understanding of the morphology and classification of major human pathogens, the molecular mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis, and the ability to correctly interpret diagnostic tests and antimicrobial susceptibility results for effective clinical management.

Students to profitably follow the course of Microbiology will have to possess knowledge of cell biology, biochemistry and molecular biology. Furthermore, knowledge of anatomy and physiology will be necessary for an adequate understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa.

Lectures supported by slides. A brief introduction to resume the topics covered in the previous lesson, answer to clarify the topics covered, and presentation of new topics. The number of classroom/frontal hours provided will correspond to the 7 CFU of the course.

Evaluation of student proficiency is based on an oral test. Questions are based on the general part of bacteriology and virology and focused on the biology of bacteria, viruses, micetes, and parasites of medical interest.
Evaluation grid:
• Below Sufficiency (<18): Serious gaps in the distinction between classes of microorganisms; inability to link a pathogen to the relevant disease; lack of knowledge of the principles of antibiotic resistance.
Minimum Threshold (18-21): Knowledge of the minimum contents listed above. Basic but correct scientific language. Ability to describe the main pathogens without over-explaining molecular mechanisms.
Average Preparation (22-26): Good command of replication cycles and laboratory techniques. Ability to discuss differential diagnosis and the basics of host-parasite interaction.
Optimal Preparation (27-30): In-depth knowledge of molecular virulence mechanisms and advanced diagnostic techniques (e.g., mass spectrometry, sequencing). Ability for critical synthesis.
Excellence (30L): Total mastery of the subject, capacity for interdisciplinary connection and impeccable technical language.
Specific evaluation parameters will be:
Ability for critical connections.
Ability for synthesis.
Quality of the organization of the presentation/discourse.
Use of specialist vocabulary.

The materials used for lessons will be shared by power point.
Additional materials (reviews) will be made available to the students
Tutoring activities are provided upon request.

1) Part 1
Introduction to microorganisms

i) General bacteriology
Morphology, structure and function of the bacterial cell.
Bacterial growth curve, microbial fermentation, biomass production.
The bacterial spore.
Bacterial metabolism.

Bacterial genetics, mutations and transfer of genetic material of bacteria.
Pathogenicity mechanisms, virulence factors, adhesion factors, invasiveness,
exotoxins, endotoxins, anti-phagocytic factors
Cultivation of bacteria in the laboratory, factors that affect bacterial growth,
culture media, microscopic examination, preparation of bacterioscopic test preparations, culture and biochemical techniques of identification of bacteria.

ii) General virology
Introduction to viruses, morphology and structure.
Virus replication, adsorption, penetration, replication, maturation.
Viral interference.
Bacteriophages.
Oncogenic viruses.
Prions.
Isolation and cultivation of viruses, cytopathic effects, virus titration.
Viral genetics and viral vectors.

2) Part 2
Relations between microorganisms and hosts.
Chemical and physical agents in the control of microorganisms.
Antibacterial and antiviral chemotherapy.
Serological diagnostics and molecular diagnostics.
Vaccines.

i) Special bacteriology
Staphylococci.
Streptococci and Enterococci
Corynebacterium
Listeria monocytogenes
Bacilli and Clostridia
Mycobacteria
Neisseria
Haemophilus and Bordetella
Vibrio, Campylobacter, Helicobacter pylori
Enterobacteriaceae
Brucella, Yersinia pestis, Francisella tularensis, Pasteurella
Legionella
Pseudomonas
Treponema, Borrelia
Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma
Chlamydia
Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, Coxiella
Bartonella

ii) Special virology
a) DNA Viruses: Adenoviridae, Papillomaviridae, Herpesviridae, Poxviridae,
Parvoviridae.
b) RNA viruses: Orthomyxoviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Picornaviridae,
Reoviridae, Rhabdoviridae, Togaviridae, Coronaviridae, Arenaviridae,
Flaviviridae, Filoviridae, Bunyaviridae.
c) DNA or RNA viruses that use reverse transcriptase: Epadnaviridae, Retroviridae.

iii) Mycology
Generality, cultivation, pathogenesis of mycoses, fungi infections, diagnosis of mycoses. Mycetes of medical interest.

iv) Parasitology
General notions of parasitology, pathogenesis and diagnosis. Parasites of medical interest.