39282 - Batteriology and VirologyTechniques (BO)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will have the knowledge and the ability to learn the fundamental notions on: the main techniques currently used in Microbiology necessary to grow, classify and identify bacteria (a significant part is dedicated to the study and definition of sensitivity to antimicrobial drugs, both with traditional methods and with automatic methods);main laboratory techniques for the diagnosis of viral infection, by means of automatic systems (from the understanding of traditional protocols to the most modern systems currently in use). Acquires: an in-depth understanding of the principles and applications of the techniques used in diagnostic and virological research laboratories with regard to DNA and RNA viruses;a complete picture of the correct path that a biological sample intended for virological investigations must follow from the moment of collection from the patient until the moment of interpretation of the results of the tests performed; an understanding of the design, implementation and interpretation of molecular assays intended for the diagnosis of pathogenic DNA and RNA virus infections in humans during active infection and therapeutic intervention;a detailed view of the processes of development, validation and standardization of selected diagnostic assays, in order to allow the development of critical skills in the evaluation of commercial kits and greater ability to extricate themselves from technical problems that arise during their use.Knowledge and skills to be achieved. At the end of the course the student will know the most recent diagnostic and applied research methodologies related to DNA and RNA viruses. They will also be familiar with the criteria on which the development of diagnostic kits is based and the concepts of validation and standardization of these;an awareness of the scientific requirements and manual skills necessary for the correct handling of biological samples and the associated risks in relation to operator safety and the success of analyses; all the scientific-technological aspects of the molecular methods discussed, leading the student to understand their foundations, related problems and prospects for future development.

Course contents

Bacteriology Techniques

Description of the pre-analytical phase in bacteriological examinations.
Stains used in bacteriology.
The main culture media used in bacteriology.
Description of Bacterial Identification Techniques.
Description of the main antimicrobial drugs and the techniques used to determine them.
Sepsis and its diagnosis using blood cultures.

Virology Techniques

Description of the main serological reactions used in the diagnosis of viral infection.
Technological evolution in the determination of viral antigens/antibodies.
Description of the main molecular biology techniques used for the search of viral genomes.
The use of cell cultures in the diagnosis of viral infection.

Teaching methods

Traditional lectures

Assessment methods

Oral exam

Teaching tools

PC with power point presentations

Office hours

See the website of Sabrina Magnani