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 academic lectures are subdivided into a general section and a special section.
The general section aims to describe:

• 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;
• 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.

In the special section 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.

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.

Alessandra Scagliarini, Mara Battilani, Sara Ciulli, Andrea Balboni, Laura Gallina . Manuale di Virologia Veterinaria, Bononia University Press, 2013.

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.

Assessment methods

Student assessment will be based on a final written test of 1 hour that will be comprehensive for the entire course:

• the aim of the test is to verify that students have attained the necessary knowledge and skills;
• the test consists of 9 general and special virology questions with “true/false” response of 1 point value if correctly answered or 2 points if the response is also reasonably explained and 3 open questions that will mark 0 to 5;
• the test will be passed when a minimum mark of 18 points will be obtained;
• an unsuccessful test involves repeating the test by the candidate.

The results of the test will be available within 1 week. In the event of a successful outcome (at least 18 points) the candidate may perform an oral examination of about 20 minutes to improve the mark discussing the results with the teacher to clarify the main gaps. During the test, no books and electronic devices will be allowed.

The examination of the teachings of virology and bacteriology and immunology takes place at the same time, it is not possible to support the two parts separately and the single parts of the exam that could be overcome are not considered valid. The final mark of the integrated course of "Microbiology and Parasitology" is obtained from the weighted average of the teachings that compose it.

Prof. Marialetizia Fioravanti 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