69870 - Bacteriology and Immunology

Learning outcomes

At the end ofthis course the student acquires the basic principles of bacteriology and immunology necessary for the study of the main mechanisms governing the relations between causative agent and animal host; the studentknows the main methods for diagnosis and immunization.

Course contents

The course of Bacteriology is part of the integrated course of Microbiology and Parasitology, which also includes the courses of Parasitology and Micology and Virology. At the end of the integrated course of Microbiology and Parassitology the student acquires knowledge of basic principles, correct terminology, taxonomy, morphology, biology and host interactions of the virus, bacteria  parasites and mycetes which are more common and important in Veterinary Medicine, with regard also to Public Health. The student knows the the basic principles of immunology and immunization and the main methods for diagnosis used in virology, bacteriology, parasitology and mycology.

Academic lectures (25 hours)

Bacteriology

General bacteriology: functional structure of the bacterial cell and bacterial cultivation;

Bacterial genetics: mutations and ricombinations;

Bacteria as pathogenic agents: interaction microorganism-host and pathogenic properties of bacteria;

Methods for microorganism control: physical and chemical agents in the control of microorganisms, antibiotics and antibiotic-resistance;

Special bacteriology: classification of bacteria, Eubacteria Gram-negative, Gram positive and without cell wall.

Immunology

General properties of immune responses;

Antigens and immunogenicity;

Humoral immunity;

Mucosal immunity and passive immunity;

Cell-mediated immunity;

serology

Practicals (8 hours)

Bacteriological assay: direct microscopical evaluation; bacterial isolation; colonies identification by MALDI-TOF and by molecular tools; antimicrobial susceptibility evaluation.

 

Readings/Bibliography

Students can study by consulting suggested books and by using slides and other materials available in virtual platform.

Poli G., Cocilovo A., Dall'Ara P., Martino P.A., Ponti W.,  Microbiologia e immunologia veterinaria, II Edizione, UTET, Torino, 2005.

Tizard I., Veterinary immunology: an introduction, VII Ed. Saunders Company, Philadelphia, 2004.

Powerpoint presentations used by the teacher during the course and uploaded in IOL (https://iol.unibo.it)

Teaching methods

The theoretical lectures take place in a teaching room properly supplied with multimedia equipment. The practical lectures, carried out in a properly equipped teaching lab, provide for a constant presence of the teacher with introductive and explanatory discussions. Every practical training activity is carried out singly by the students and submitted to discussion with the teacher.

In consideration of the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, all students have to carry out the e-learning modules 1 and 2 [https://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita/salute-e-assistenza/salute-e-sicurezza/sicurezza-e-salute-nei-luoghi-di-studio-e-tirocinio] and carry out the module 3 of specific training on safety and health in study places. Information on dates and methods of attendance of module 3 can be consulted in the specific section of the degree program website.

Assessment methods

Student assessment will be based on a final written test.

The written test, of 1 hour, consists of questions aimed at ascertaining the knowledge acquired by the student on different topics dealt with during the theoretical lectures and practical training activities. During the test, no books and  electronic devices will be allowed. The test consists of 9 general and special bacteriology and immunology 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 been evaluated as follow:

- a very thorough knowledge of the topic addressed in the question, together with high skills of critical analysis, connection and specific terminology will be evaluated with the maximum score (5);

- a thorough knowledge of the topic addressed in the question, together with good analytical and critical skills and the possession of  the specific terminology will be evaluated with a score of 4.

- an  adequate knowledge and a sufficient analytical capacity, even if not particularly articulated, expressed in a correct language, will be evaluated with a score of 3.

- a superficial knowledge of the topic expressed in a language that is just formally correct, will be evaluated with scores 2-1.

The test will be passed when a minimum mark of 18 points out of 30 will be obtained; the maximum mark obtainable by providing all correct and complete answers is 30 cum laudean unsuccessful test involves repeating the test by the candidate.

The results of the test will be available within 1 week. After 7 days from the date of the test, the mark obtained is uploaded to “Virtuale” and the student has 48 hours to view it. In case of positive result (at least 18 points), after 48 hours from the publication of the results, the mark will be considered automatically accepted and recorded. If the candidate decides to reject the mark, she/he will be required to communicate it to both the Virology and Bacteriology and immunology Professors by e-mail no later than 48 hours from the publication of the results. The test can be viewed by the student by making an appointment with the Professor (via e-mail).

If the candidate does not reject the mark by e-mail to the Professors within 48 hours from the publication of the results, the mark obtained in the written test will be automatically accepted and registered.

The student has the right to reject the mark at least once (according to the regolamento didattico di ateneo ART. 16, paragraph 5).

During the tests, the use of support materials such as textbooks, notes and IT supports is not allowed.

The examination of the teachings of virology and bacteriology and immunology takes place at the same time, the two parts cannot be performed separately and the single parts of the exam that could be passed are not considered valid. The final mark of the integrated course of "Microbiology and Parasitology" is obtained from the weighted average of the teachings that compose it.

Students with disabilities or SLDs must contact the Professor via e-mail to have the adjustments to the teaching lesson or in the final evaluation phase, by entering the reference staff (of the specific service for disability or SLD) in the CC.

Prof. Marialetizia Fioravanti is the verbalising teacher.

Teaching tools

PC video-projector, web-connected PC, teaching lab

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Piva