B6303 - CLIMATE CHANGE MICROBIOLOGY IN HUMAN HEALTH

Learning outcomes

Module 1

The vast majority of terrestrial biodiversity is microbial in origin. Microorganisms are directly involved in the ecosystem processes on which all life depends. They interact intimately with other organisms, yet we know far less about their biodiversity than that of plants and animals. Our lack of understanding of the interactions and feedbacks of microbial biodiversity is worrying given the high rates of environmental change the Earth is currently experiencing, including human-caused global climate change. The Course will mainly analyse the impact that climate change has and may have on the one hand on the different geochemical cycles (carbon Nitrogen, sulphur, phosphorus) and on the other hand on the spread and alteration of microbial diseases in the different continents depending on climate change.

Module 2
Lectures will present laboratory activities and provide basic knowledge of methods (molecular and traditional) for analysing the genetics and functions of microorganisms in environmental samples.

Course contents

Module 1 

Influence of microorganisms on climate. Impact of climate change on microorganisms and geochemical cycles (carbon, nitrogen sulphur, phosphorus). Importance of microorganisms in the transformation processes of compounds that are toxic to humans and what influence climate change has on them; Influence of climate change on the spread of major diseases of microbial origin (bacteria, fungi and viruses). How climate hazards, e.g. changes in temperature and the availability of water and food affect the development of infectious diseases in humans. Climate change-dependent increase in the spread and even treatment resistance of the main pathogens (e.g. Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and non-typhoidal Salmonella).

Module 2

During the laboratory activities, students will apply techniques for bacterial isolation and enrichment of specific microbial groups (e.g., nitrogen-fixers, Actinobacteria) from different environmental matrices (e.g., soil, plants). Metabolic/enzymatic assays of the isolated bacterial strains will be performed in order to identify bacteria producing antibiotics and specific enzyme activities (e.. amylase and urease) involved in biogeochemical cycles. Finally, analysis of the soil microbiota will be performed by DNA extraction and amplification of the 16S rRNA gene that will be cloned to construct libraries in E.coli. The clone libraries will be then analyzed by molecular methods to determine the different bacterial groups present in the soil sample.

Readings/Bibliography

The bibliography will be indicated during the lectures. Different basic textbooks will be suggested for the different topics, research papers and reviews will be provided during the lectures to integrate the study.

Teaching methods

The teaching consists of a total of 7 CFU, divided into two modules, the first module with 4 CFU of lectures and the second module with 1 CFU of lectures preparatory to the 2 CFU of laboratory.

Assessment methods

The final mark will be determined by means of a written test that will assess the achievement of the set learning objectives.

Teaching tools

The lecture material presented in class will be made available to students in electronic format.

Office hours

See the website of Stefano Fedi

See the website of Martina Cappelletti