39282 - Batteriology and VirologyTechniques (CE)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student possesses the knowledge and ability to learn the basics on main techniques in current use in Microbiology necessary to grow, classify and identify bacteria (a relevant part is dedicated to the study and definition of sensitivity to antimicrobial drugs, both with traditional and automated methods); both traditional and innovative diagnostic procedures dedicated to the search for viruses and/or their components in different biological materials; issues affecting the quality of the report in virology, discussing the methods of collection, transport, storage and processing of different types of samples; issues related to the safety of operators handling biological materials; main laboratory techniques for the diagnosis of viral infection, using automated 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 in use in virological diagnostics and research laboratories with regard to DNA and RNA viruses; a complete picture of the correct pathway that a biological sample intended for virological investigations must follow from the moment it is taken from the patient to the moment the results of the assays are interpreted 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 development, validation and standardisation processes of selected diagnostic assays, in order to enable the development of critical skills in the evaluation of commercial kits and increased ability to deal with technical problems arising during their use. Knowledge and skills to be achieved At the end of the course the student will be familiar with the latest diagnostic and applied research methodologies related to DNA and RNA viruses. He/she will also have acquired familiarity with the criteria on which the development of diagnostic kits is based and the concepts of their validation and standardisation; an awareness of the scientific requirements and manual skills needed for the correct handling of biological samples and the associated risks with regard to operator safety and the success of analyses; all the scientific-technological aspects of the molecular methods discussed, leading the student to understand their fundamentals, the related problems and the prospects for future development.

Course contents

DISTRIBUTION OF MICROORGANISMS ON THE BASIS OF INFECTIOUS RISK:


∙ Class I micro-organisms
∙ Class II micro-organisms
∙ Class III micro-organisms
∙ Class IV micro-organisms

BIOLOGICAL RISK MANAGEMENT and COLLECTIVE AND INDIVIDUAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT

PRE-ANALYTICAL PHASE

BACTERIOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES

Microscopy and staining
Culture media
Traditional bacteriological diagnostics: seeding, isolation, identification and antibiograms
Manual and automated identification systems (Maldi, Vitek...)
Molecular identification of microorganisms (end-point PCR, electrophoresis, Real Time PCR..)
Hints on bacterial antibiotic resistance
Blood cultures, CRL, bacteriology of respiratory materials, genito-urinary tract, co-cultures etc.
Mycobacterial diagnosis
Bacterial serology
NGS

VIROLOGY TECHNIQUES

Direct virological diagnosis
Notes on cell cultures and microscopy
Viral nucleic acid research
Indirect virological diagnosis
Viral serology techniques
NGS

Readings/Bibliography

Slides in pdf format provided by the lecturer
Medical Microbiology- Murray Patrick R., Rosenthal Ken S., Pfaller Michael A

Teaching methods

Lectures, slide support and other technical material

Assessment methods

Oral examination

Teaching tools

slides
laboratory material

Office hours

See the website of Massimiliano Guerra