00714 - Microbiology

Learning outcomes

Knowledge of principles of Bacteriology, Virology, Mycology and Parassitology. Knowledge of the molecular and cellular basis of microbial pathogenicity and of the characteristics of host-microrganism interactions. Knowledge of the targets and mechanisms of action of antimicrobial and antiviral drugs. Knowledge of the principles of microbiological and virological analysis.

Course contents

Bacteria

Structure of the prokaryotic cell. General characteristics (cytoplasm, genome, plasma membrane, cell wall). Structures of peptidoglycan, cell wall bacteria, outer membrane. Accessory components (crystalline layer, capsule, pili, flagella). Staining methods (simple and differential stainings).

Bacterial metabolism. Energetic metabolism and macromolecular biosynthesis. Antibacterial agents.

Bacterial reproduction. Bacterial growth and cell division. Bacterial sporae.

Bacterial Pathogenesis. General characteristics (dynamics of the infectious process, virulence factors). , Structure, production and cellular target of toxins (exotoxins and endotoxins).

Bacterial genetics. The chromosome. Accessory genetic elements (plasmids, insertion sequences, transposons). Evolution of the bacterial genome (mutation, recombination). Transformation, conjugation, transduction. Mechanisms of antibacterial drug resistance.

Bacterial cultivation. Culture media (soil solids and liquids, soils enriched, differential and selective). Isolation and identification of pathogenic bacteria. Determination of antibacterial drug susceptibility.

Bacteria of medical relevance. Staphylococci, Streptococci, Enterococci, Neisseria, Enterobacteriaceae, Bacillus, Corynebacterium, mycobacteria, Pseudomonas, Vibrio, Bordetella, Helicobacter, Clostridium, spirochetes, Mycoplasma, Chlamydiae

Fungi

General biological characteristics. Structure of the fungal cell. Fungal reproduction. Antifungal agents.

Fungi of medical relevance. Candida, Malassezia furfur, Cryptococcus neoformans. Dermatophytes, Aspergillus. Zygomycetes

Protozoa

General biological characteristics. Morphological characteristics and pathogenic mechanism of action.

Protozoa of medical relevance. Giardia, Trichomonas, Trypanosomes, Leishmanie, Amoebae, Plasmodium, Toxoplasma gondii.

Virus

General characteristics. Chemical composition and structure of viruses. Classification of viruses. Bacteriophages. Viral multiplication. Techniques for the isolation and identification of viral infection. Principles of diagnosis of diseases caused by viruses. Molecular basis and mechanism of action of antiviral drugs. Interferon-mediate antiviral response.

Viral Pathogenesis. Virus-cell interaction, dynamics of the infectious process.

Viruses of medical relevance. Poxvirus, herpesvirus, Adenovirus, Papillomavirus, Parvovirus, Paramyxovirus, Influenza Virus, Rabies virus, Rubella virus, Picornavirus, hepatitis virus, Human Retroviruses

Readings/Bibliography

N.Carlone. Microbiologia Farmaceutica. EdiSES - Seconda Edizione

M.La Placa. Principi di Microbiologia Medica. Società Editrice Esculapio - EdiSES

G.Antonelli, M.Clementi, G.Pozzi, G.M.Rossolini. Principi di Microbiologia Medica. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana

Teaching methods

The course is based on lectures.

Assessment methods

The final examination is intended to verify the achievement of the following learning objectives:

-knowledge of the main biological characteristics of microorganisms and viruses;

-knowledge of the molecular and cellular basis of microbial pathogenicity and of the characteristics of host-microrganism interactions;

-knowledge of the principles of microbiological and virological analysis and of the targets and mechanisms of action of antimicrobial and antiviral drugs;

-knowledge of the microorganisms and viruses responsible of the main infectious diseases.

The assessment is done only through a final examination which consists of an oral interview.

Teaching tools

Slides

Office hours

See the website of Francesca Bonvicini