B9267 - MICROBIOLOGIA E IMMUNOLOGIA

Learning outcomes

Knows the principles of taxonomy, biology and host interaction of viruses and bacteria, of major importance in Veterinary Medicine and Public Health. He/she knows the basic principles of immunology and vaccinology and the main methods of immunisation. Can collect, preserve and transport samples, select appropriate diagnostic tests used in microbiology, as well as interpret and understand the limitations of test results.

Course contents

This teaching module is part of the Integrated Course "Transmissible Disease Agents and Immunology."

By the end of the integrated course, students will know and understand the fundamental principles of microbiology, immunology, vaccinology, parasitology and mycology of veterinary interest, with particular reference to the taxonomy, biology, morphology, life cycle and host interaction mechanisms of bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi of major importance in Veterinary Medicine and Public Health.
Students will also acquire knowledge and practical skills relating to the main methods of immunisation, the correct collection, storage and transport of biological samples, and the selection of the most appropriate diagnostic tests in microbiology, parasitology and mycology. They will be able to critically interpret diagnostic test results, understand their limitations, and recognise parasites and fungi through macroscopic and microscopic observations.

The Integrated Course "Transmissible Disease Agents and Immunology" contributes to the achievement of the following ESEVT Day One Competences: 1.4, 1.10, 1.12, and 1.22.

The Integrated Course consists of three modules:

Module 1: Bacteriology (Prof. Silvia Piva)

Module 2: Virology (Prof. Andrea Balboni)

Module 3: Immunology (Prof. Caterina Lupini)

Module 1 - Silvia Piva

The module is structured as follows:

Lectures

Bacterial replication (2 hours)

Bacterial genetics (2 hours)

Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and antimicrobial resistance (3 hours)

Practical classes/Laboratory sessions

Problem-solving: from sample to laboratory report (3 hours)

Module 2 – Prof. Andrea Balboni

The module is structured as follows:

Lectures:

• Fundamentals of viral characteristics and taxonomy (2 hours)

• Viral genetics and mechanisms of viral evolution (1 hour)

• Viral tropism, infection, replication cycle, and pathogenesis (3 hours)

• Diagnosis of viral infections (3 hours)

• Vaccinology (3 hours)

• DNA viruses, RNA viruses, and reverse transcriptase (RT) viruses of major importance in Veterinary Medicine and Public Health (2 hours)

Laboratory/Practical Sessions:

• Sampling, viral isolation, and cytopathic effects (2 hours)

• Interpretation of diagnostic tests (2 hours)

• Diagnostic workflow and viral characterization (2 hours)

Module 3: Immunology – Prof. Caterina Lupini

• Overview and phases of the immune response (2 hours)
• Antigens and immunogenicity (2 hours)
• Humoral immunity (1 hour)
• Mucosal immunity and natural passive immunity (1 hour)
• Cell-mediated immunity (1 hour)
• Practical sessions: practical aspects and diagnostic applications (3 hours)

Readings/Bibliography

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

Required readings:

• Dall'Ara P, Martino PA, Rosati S e collaboratori. Microbiologia e Immunologia Veterinaria, Quarta ed. Edizioni EDRA S.p.a. Milano. IT. 2026. ISBN: 978-88-214-5849-1.
• 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.

  Supplementary reading:

• Dall'Ara P. Vaccini e vaccinazioni degli animali da compagnia, Seconda ed. Edizioni EDRA S.p.a. Milano. IT. 2024. ISBN: 9788821458767
• 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). Elsevier, 2023.

Teaching methods

The course includes both theoretical lectures and practical sessions.

Theoretical lectures will be delivered by power point presentation. Interactive poll tools, such as online group quizzes, and collaborative group activities. will be used during the theoretical lectures. Practical sessions will be conducted partly in the laboratory and partly in the classroom with computer support. Students will be divided into four groups, with the aim of applying the concepts learned during the lectures, developing analytical and synthesis skills, and enhancing communication and teamwork abilities.

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

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 final examination is designed to assess whether the main learning objectives of the course have been achieved, with particular emphasis on the student's knowledge and ability to effectively and comprehensively integrate the concepts covered during the course.

The assessment of learning for the Integrated Course “B9093 – Agents of Transmissible Diseases and Immunology”consists of two components:

• The first component is a written examination comprising true/false and multiple-choice questions for B9267 – Microbiology and Immunology (4 ECTS credits). The aim is to assess the acquisition of the knowledge and competencies in microbiology and immunology described in the course learning objectives. The examination consists of a total of 20 questions, structured as follows:
  • 8 true/false questions, worth 1 point each if answered correctly, or 2 points if the correct answer is accompanied by an appropriate justification;
  • 8 single-answer multiple-choice questions, worth 1 point each;
  • 4 multiple-answer multiple-choice questions (with more than one correct answer), worth 2 points each.

Incorrect or unanswered questions receive 0 points.

The maximum score is 32 points, and the examination is passed with a minimum score of 18/32. The score is converted to the Italian 30-point grading scale, with 18/30 corresponding to 18/32. Scores of 31 or 32 points are awarded the highest grade of 30 cum laude.

• The second component is a written examination comprising open-ended questions and true/false questions for B9268 – Parasitology and Mycology (4 ECTS credits). The aim is to assess the acquisition of the knowledge and competencies in parasitology and mycology described in the course learning objectives. The examination consists of two sections:

1. Parasite identification, based on either an image or a specimen provided during the examination. This section includes four open-ended questions covering:
   • taxonomic classification (maximum 3 points),
   • morphology (maximum 3 points),
   • host(s) (maximum 3 points),
   • life cycle (maximum 5 points).

The minimum passing score for this section is 9 points, and the maximum is 14 points.

Nine true/false or multiple-choice questions, each worth 1 point if answered correctly, or 2 points if the correct answer is also supported by an appropriate justification.

The minimum passing score for this section is 9 points, and the maximum is 18 points.

Incorrect or unanswered questions receive 0 points.

The maximum score for the entire examination is 32 points, and the examination is passed with a minimum score of 18/32. The score is converted to the Italian 30-point grading scale, with 18/30 corresponding to 18/32. Scores of 31/32 or higher are awarded 30 cum laude.

The examination for the Integrated Course “B9093 – Agents of Transmissible Diseases and Immunology” is conducted as a single, integrated examination. It is not possible to take the individual components separately, and passing only one component does not constitute a valid partial result.

An exception applies to the November examination session, during which second-year students enrolled in the regular course schedule may take separately the first component of the examination for B9267 – Microbiology and Immunology. Only students who pass this first component in November may subsequently take the second component, B9268 – Parasitology and Mycology, separately starting from the January examination session. The result obtained for the November examination of B9267 – Microbiology and Immunology remains valid for one year from the date it is taken. Failure to pass either component requires the student to retake the entire integrated course examination.

The final grade for the Integrated Course “B9093 – Agents of Transmissible Diseases and Immunology” is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the grades obtained in the two examination components.

Students are allowed a total of 2 hours to complete the integrated course examination: 1 hour for the B9267 – Microbiology and Immunology component (November session) and 1 hour for the B9268 – Parasitology and Mycology component.

During the examination, the use of supporting materials or electronic devices—including calculators, tablets, smartwatches, and computers—is not permitted, except for those explicitly authorized by the instructors.

An unsuccessful examination does not result in a numerical grade but only in a recorded assessment ("withdrawn" or "failed") in the electronic examination record on AlmaEsami. Therefore, it has no impact on the student's academic record.

The final examination grade will be published on the AlmaEsami platform (https://almaesami.unibo.it/ ) within five working days of the examination date. In the event of a passing result (i.e., a minimum score of 18/30 in each of the two examination components), the grade will be deemed automatically accepted and officially recorded by the course coordinator five working days after publication, unless the student declines it.

Students who wish to reject their grade must notify all instructors involved in the integrated course, including the course coordinator responsible for recording the grade, by email within five working days of the publication of the results.

Students wishing to review their examination paper must contact the instructors of the respective course components by email to arrange an appointment.

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 sessions are available for students beyond the standard program duration.

Students with learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

With regard to the learning assessment, the use of AI is prohibited. Any use of AI constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint presentations, in-class quizzes, flipped classroom activities, and resources available on the Veterinary Teaching Portal.

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 Silvia Piva

See the website of Andrea Balboni

See the website of Caterina Lupini