01071 - Virology

Learning outcomes

After completing this module the student knows the principles of taxonomy, the structure of viruses, their replication and interactions responsible for the onset of illness and recovery. The student is able to deal with virus-related illnesses and undertake the most appropriate strategies to control them.

Course contents

The teaching course of Virology is part of the integrated course of Microbiology and Parasitology, which also includes the teaching courses of Parasitology and Mycology and of Bacteriology and Immunology. At the end of the Integrated Course of Microbiology and Parasitology, the student knows the principles of taxonomy, structure and morphology, biology and interactions with the host of viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites of major importance in Veterinary Medicine and Public Health. He also knows the basic principles of immunology and the main methods of immunization, as well as the laboratory methods used for diagnostic purposes in virology, bacteriology, mycology and parasitology.

The academic lectures of the teaching course of Virology are subdivided into a general section and a special section.
At the end of the general section the student knows:

• the viral structures and symmetries
• the different chemical components (nucleic acids, proteins and viral membranes)
• the basis of viral classification with special reference to the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) classification
• the viral genomic properties as well as their evolutionary mechanisms
• the different phases of the replication cycle: attachment, penetration, nucleic acid replication, protein synthesis, viral assembly and release
• the mechanisms of viral infection and dissemination
• the collection, packaging and transport of the specimens and the methods used for direct and indirect diagnosis. Furthermore, the student is able to interpret the results of laboratory tests used for virological diagnosis
• the direct and indirect prophylactic strategies against viral diseases, with particular reference to vaccination
• the principal antiviral molecules available and the use of viruses for gene delivery in vaccination and gene therapy

At the end of the special section the student knows the principal RNA and DNA viruses responsible of animal diseases will be illustrated with particular emphasis to their replication strategies and pathogenetic mechanisms.

Practical exercises will address the identification of the viral etiologic agent responsible for the disease in an animal population through various diagnostic approaches. The methods of sampling and the methods of sample preparation to be used in direct and indirect diagnostic tests will be investigated. Particular importance will be given to the viral isolation and to the interpretation of the results of laboratory tests used for virological diagnosis.

The Syllabus of the course unit and the list of EAEVE Day One Competences that the course unit contributes to achieving can be viewed on the dedicated page.

Readings/Bibliography

On-line lesson material.

Recommended text books:

Poli G, Dall’Ara P, Martino PA, Rosati S e collaboratori. Microbiologia e Immunologia Veterinaria, Terza ed. Edizioni EDRA S.p.a. Milano. IT. 2017. ISBN: 978-88-214-4227-8.

Scagliarini A, Battilani M, Ciulli S, Balboni A, Gallina L. Manuale di Virologia Veterinaria, Bononia University Press, 2013.

Fadda M, Cuteri V, Dall'Ara P, Iovane G, Marsilio F. Malattie infettive degli animali. Point Veterinaire Italie, 2023.

Sykes JE. Greene's Infectious diseases of the dog and cat (Fifth Edition). Elseviere, 2023.

Fenner's Veterinary Virology (Fourth Edition) 2011 Edited by: N. James Maclachlan and Edward J. Dubovi Academic Press.

Teaching methods

The module will comprise academic lectures (18 hours) and practicals (2×2 hours).

The academic lectures are supported through the use of power point slides, video clips, quiz on-line (Kahoot!).

Practicals complement the academic lectures applying the theoretical notions into practice and to develop team work and communication skills. Students will be divided in four groups attending the same lessons: interactive session carried out with computer simulations and laboratory practicals to learn the principal virological diagnostic's techniques.

In consideration of the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, all students have to carry out the e-learning modules 1 and 2 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 examination of the teachings of Virology, Bacteriology and Immunology, and Parasitology and Mycology takes place at the same time, the different parts cannot be performed separately and the single parts of the exam that could be passed are not considered valid. The exception is the November exam window, during which second-year students may take the partial exams in Virology, Bacteriology, and Immunology separately. Only students who pass the partial exam in Virology, Bacteriology, and Immunology in November will be able to take the partial exam in Parasitology and Mycology separately starting in January. The result of the November partial exam in Virology, Bacteriology, and Immunology remains valid for one year. The final mark of the integrated course of "Microbiology and Parasitology" is obtained from the weighted average of the teachings that compose it.

The written test:

• It aims to assess that student has attained the necessary knowledge and skills.
• It consists of a total of 20 questions: 9 true/false questions worth 1 point each if answered correctly or 2 points if the response is also reasonably explained; 8 multiple-choice questions with only one correct answer to be selected worth 1 point each; and 3 multiple-choice questions with more than one correct answer to be selected worth 2 points each.
• The student has a total of 2 hours to complete the integrated course exam; 1 hour is allocated to the partial exam in Virology, Bacteriology, and Immunology in November.
• It will be passed when a minimum mark of 18 points (18/30) will be obtained and the maximum mark obtainable by providing all correct and complete answers is 30 cum laude.
• An unsuccessful test involves repeating integrated course exam by the candidate.

The results of the test will be available within 5 working days. After 5 working days from the date of the test, the mark obtained is uploaded to AlmaEsami 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 by the verbalizing teacher. If the candidate decides to reject the mark, she/he will be required to communicate it to all the 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).

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.

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. Monica Caffara is the verbalising teacher.

Teaching tools

Power point presentations, videos, on-line quiz, informatic tools and virology laboratory.

Office hours

See the website of Andrea Balboni