01071 - Virology

Learning outcomes

After completing this module the student knows the principles of taxonomy, the structure of viruses, their replication and interactions responsible for the onset of illness and recovery. The student is able to deal with virus-related illnesses and undertake the most appropriate strategies to control them.

Course contents

The academic lectures are subdivided into a general section and a special section.
The general section aims to describe:

• the viral structures and symmetries;
• the different chemical components (nucleic acids, proteins and viral membranes);
• the basis of viral classification with special reference to the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) classification;
• the viral genomic properties as well as their evolutionary mechanisms;
• the different phases of the replication cycle: attachment, penetration, nucleic acid replication, protein synthesis, viral assembly and release;
• the mechanisms of viral infection and dissemination;
• the collection, packaging and transport of the specimens and the methods used for direct and indirect diagnosis;
• the direct and indirect prophylactic strategies against viral diseases, with particular reference to vaccination;
• the principal antiviral molecules available and the use of viruses for gene delivery in vaccination and gene therapy.

In the special section the principal RNA and DNA viruses responsible of animal diseases will be illustrated with particular emphasis to their replication strategies and pathogenetic mechanisms.

Practical exercises will address the identification of the viral etiologic agent responsible for the disease in an animal population through various diagnostic approaches. In addition, the methods of sampling and dispatch of pathological material to the laboratory, the collection of anamnestic information and the methods of sample preparation to be used in direct and indirect diagnostic tests will be investigated.

Readings/Bibliography

Text book and supplementary material available at http://campus.unibo.it.

Recommended text books:

Alessandra Scagliarini, Mara Battilani, Sara Ciulli, Andrea Balboni, Laura Gallina . Manuale di Virologia Veterinaria, Bononia University Press, 2013.

Fenner's Veterinary Virology (Fourth Edition) 2011 Edited by: N. James Maclachlan and Edward J. Dubovi Academic Press.

Teaching methods

The module will comprise academic lectures (18 hours) and practicals (2×2 hours).

The academic lectures are supported through the use of power point slides and videos.

Practicals complement the academic lectures applying the theoretical notions into practice and to develop team work and communication skills. Students will be divided in four groups attending the same lessons: interactive session carried out with computer simulations and laboratory practicals to learn the principal virological diagnostic's techniques.

Assessment methods

Student assessment will be based on a final written test that will be comprehensive for the entire course:

• the aim of the test is to verify that students have attained the necessary knowledge and skills;
• the test consists of 10 general and special virology questions with “true/false” response of 1 point value if correctly answered or 2 points if the response is also reasonably explained and 3 open questions that will mark 0 to 5;
• the test will be passed when a minimum mark of 18 points out of 30 will be obtained;
• an unsuccessful test involves repeating the test by the candidate.

The results of the test will be available within 1 week. In the event of a successful outcome (at least 18 points out of 30) the candidate may perform an oral examination to improve the mark discussing the results with the teacher to clarify the main gaps. During the test, no books and electronic devices will be allowed.

The final grade of the course "Microbiology and parasitology" consists of the marks obtained in the three modules of the integrated course. Individual parts of the examination that might be overcome are not considered valid.

Teaching tools

Power point presentations, videos, informatic tools and virology laboratory.

Office hours

See the website of Andrea Balboni