84351 - Microbiology

Learning outcomes

Explain relationships and apply appropriate terminology relating to the structure, metabolism, genetics, and ecology of prokaryotic microorganisms, eukaryotic microorganisms, and viruses.

Course contents

Characteristics of bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi and helminths of medical importance

Pathogenesis of infections and host defense

Vaccines, antibacterial drugs, antiviral drugs

Microbiological diagnosis

Gram-positive and Gram-negative cocci (staphylococci, streptococci, Neisserieaeceae)

Gram-positive rods (clostridia, Bacillus anthracis, Corynebacterium diphteriae, Listeria monocytogenes)

Gram-negative rods belonging to Enterobacteriaceae, Campylobacter jejuni, Helicobacter pylori

Mycobacteria, other rods (Bordetella pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae, Legionella pneumophila),

Spirochetaes

Chlamydiaceae, Mycoplasmataceae, Rickettsiaceae

DNA viruses: Herpesviridae, Papillomaviridae, Adenoviridae, Parvovirus B19

RNA viruses-1; respiratory viruses

RNA viruses -2; hepatitis viruses

RNA viruses -3; retroviruses

RNA viruses -4; arboviruses

RNA viruses-5; viruses causing encephalitis, enterovirus and viruses causing gastroenteritis

Enteric protozoa. Protozoa transmitted by sexual route

Foodborne protozoa: Toxoplasma gondii

Vector borne protozoa: Leishmania, Plasmodia,Trypanosoma cruzi

Soil-transmitted helminths, including Strongyloides stercoralis

Teniasis and other foodborne infections caused by helminths; schistosomiasis

Cutaneous and mucocutaneous mycosis (Candida albicans, dermatophytes)

Systemic mycosis in the immunocompromised host (dimorphic fungi, Aspergillus spp., Candida spp, Cryptococcus spp., Pneumocystis jiroveci)

Readings/Bibliography

Patrick Murray, Ken S. Rosenthal, and Michael A. Pfaller. Medical Microbiology, 9th Edition, April 2020. Paperback ISBN: 9780323673228 , Imprint: Elsevier , Published Date: 2020, Available at the Biblioteca Biomedica.

Teaching methods

In class lectures

Assessment methods

To take the test, students will need to register via AlmaEsami by the deadline set by the application.

The exam consists of two parts. The first part is composed of a questionnaire with 20 multiple choice questions with 4 possible answers, of which only one is correct. 1 point will be awarded for each correct answer, without any penalty in the event of a wrong or missing answer.
The second part consists in the answer to 2 open questions; each answer will be awarded from 0 to 6 points based on the candidate's ability to present the topic in a correct, concise and complete way.

The time available for the exam will be 50 minutes.

The final grade will be derived from the sum of the points acquired in the two parts. The examination is passed having acquired at least 18 points (with a minimum of 6 points obtained in the open questions). Honors will be awarded to candidates who have achieved more than 30 points.

The results will be published on Almaesami in the students' reserved area by a date specified for each exam session. Students who wish to reject the grade must notify the commission within 2 working days from the publication. In absence of any notification the exam results will be registered.

Teaching tools

Lectures will be supported by Power Point slides. Slides will be available online at the beginning of each lecture.

The teaching material is available at https://virtuale.unibo.it/ by using student's username and password

Office hours

See the website of Stefania Varani

See the website of Margherita Ortalli