B8792 - DIAGNOSTICA DELLE MALATTIE INFETTIVE

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student knows and understands the terminology of epidemiology and risk analysis; is familiar with measures of disease frequency and temporal trends; knows how to design a sampling plan and define the performance and validity limits of diagnostic tests; understands the principles and laboratory techniques for the direct and indirect diagnosis of infectious diseases; and is able to perform the main diagnostic tests and has the skills to interpret their results.

Course contents

This course is part of the Integrated Course “B8790 - METODICHE DIAGNOSTICHE E BIOINFORMATICA APPLICATE ALLE MALATTIE TRASMISSIBILI (I.C.)”. Upon completion of the Integrated Course, the student will have acquired knowledge and understanding of the theoretical principles and practical applications of epidemiology, laboratory techniques, and bioinformatics as applied to the diagnosis and study of infectious diseases. The student will be able to apply, perform, and interpret the main diagnostic tests, as well as conduct sequence analyses for the genetic characterization and phylogenetic analysis of pathogens responsible for infectious diseases.

SPECIFIC COURSE CONTENTS:

The syllabus is structured into theoretical lectures and practical/laboratory sessions.

Lectures (16 hours):

• Introduction to epidemiology: terminology, measures of disease frequency, sampling methods, and sample storage (4 hours).

• Validity of diagnostic tests: sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values in relation to disease prevalence, and stage of infection at the time of sampling (4 hours).

• Direct diagnosis of infectious diseases (4 hours).

• Indirect diagnosis of infectious diseases (4 hours).

Practical/Laboratory sessions (16 hours):

• Application, performance, and interpretation of a serological test: indirect immunofluorescence (6 hours).

• Application, performance, and interpretation of a rapid immunoenzymatic/immunochromatographic test (2 hours).

• Application, performance, and interpretation of a serological test: haemagglutination assay (4 hours).

• Problem solving: interpretation of exercises on the main direct and indirect diagnostic tests (4 hours).

Readings/Bibliography

The teaching materials for this course are available on the Virtuale Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en).

Required readings:

• Bottarelli E., Ostanello F. Epidemiologia: teoria ed esempi di medicina veterinaria. Edagricole, Milan, 2011. ISBN: 978-88-506-5347-8.

• Poli G., Dall'Ara P., Martino P.A., Rosati S. and collaborators. Microbiologia e Immunologia Veterinaria, 4th ed. EDRA S.p.A., Milan, Italy, 2026. ISBN: 978-88-214-5849-1.

Teaching methods

The course consists of 32 hours, divided into 16 hours of theoretical lectures and 16 hours of practical/laboratory sessions.

The theoretical lectures are delivered through frontal teaching, guided discussion, case-study analysis, and interpretation of examples of diagnostic reports. The laboratory sessions include practical demonstrations, guided activities in small groups, performance and reading of diagnostic tests, and critical discussion of the results obtained.

The activities aim to foster the acquisition of applied and transferable skills, such as the reasoned choice of the diagnostic test, group work, communication of laboratory results, and critical evaluation of diagnostic uncertainty.

Considering the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance for this course requires the successful completion of Modules 1, 2 and Module 3 on health and safety training in study environments via e-learning.

Participation in practical and laboratory sessions requires wearing a lab coat and appropriate footwear. Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), such as disposable latex gloves, will be provided as needed.

Assessment methods

The assessment for the Integrated Course “METODICHE DIAGNOSTICHE E BIOINFORMATICA APPLICATE ALLE MALATTIE TRASMISSIBILI” consists of two parts:

• The first part consists of a 2-hour multiple-choice written test, including 20 questions on the topics covered in B8791 DIAGNOSTICA DELLE MALATTIE PARASSITARIE and 18 questions on the topics covered in B8792 DIAGNOSTICA DELLE MALATTIE PARASSITARIE, aimed at assessing the acquisition of the expected knowledge. For B8791 DIAGNOSTICA DELLE MALATTIE PARASSITARIE: 20 multiple-choice questions, of which 10 are worth 1 point for each correct answer and 10 are worth 2 points for each correct answer. Zero points are awarded for each incorrect or unanswered question. For B8792 DIAGNOSTICA DELLE MALATTIE INFETTIVE: 18 multiple-choice questions worth 1 point for each correct answer. Zero points are awarded for each incorrect or unanswered question. No supporting materials or devices, such as calculators, tablets, smartwatches, or computers, may be used during the test, except for those explicitly allowed by the Professor.

• The second part consists of a 2-hour practical-written test on the topics covered in B8793 BIOINFORMATICA APPLICATA ALLE MALATTIE TRASMISSIBILI, aimed at assessing the acquisition of the expected theoretical and practical skills. The computer-based practical component consists of the qualitative evaluation of a chromatogram, the interpretation of a scientific article reporting a phylogenetic tree, and the performance of the bioinformatics analyses learned during the course. Completion of the practical component will allow students to answer 9 open-ended questions in the written part. Two points are awarded for each correct answer and zero points for each incorrect or unanswered question. During the test, any supporting materials or devices, such as calculators, tablets, smartwatches, and computers, may be used, with the exception of AI, which is prohibited.

Together, the tests allow students to obtain a maximum score of 66 points. The final grade is expressed out of 30. The exam is passed with an overall minimum score of 36/66 points, corresponding to 18/30. A score equal to or higher than 61/66 is awarded a grade of 30 with honors. The results of the written test will be published within 5 working days on AlmaEsami (http://almaesami.unibo.it/) by the designated course contact. Negative results are not assigned a numerical grade, but only recorded as “withdrawn” or “failed” in the electronic record on AlmaEsami; therefore, they do not affect the student’s academic record. Students may reject the grade by informing the designated course contact via email within 5 working days. The designated course contact for this course is Prof. Monica Caffara.

Students can register for exams through the AlmaEsami platform (http://almaesami.unibo.it/). Exams are scheduled during the designated periods in the academic calendar. Additional exam sessions are available for students beyond the standard programme duration.

Students with learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities are advised to contact the relevant University office as soon as possible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students). The office will propose any necessary adjustments, which must be submitted to the lecturer for approval at least 15 days in advance; the lecturer will assess their appropriateness in relation to the learning objectives of the course.

For the assessment of learning, the use of AI is prohibited. Any use constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint presentations, laboratory protocols, technical sheets for diagnostic kits, examples of diagnostic reports, simplified datasets of diagnostic results, case studies, images, and short supplementary materials made available on Virtuale will be used.

During practical activities, commercial diagnostic kits, laboratory materials, personal protective equipment, and, where necessary, visual aids for reading and interpreting results will be used.

In case of difficulty understanding the course content, the instructor is available for clarification meetings, which must be scheduled via email.

Office hours

See the website of Giulia Graziosi