18607 - Applied Microbiology and Virology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student has the tools to critically evaluate the impact that the spread, control, manipulation and emergence of 'old' and 'new' microorganisms have on human health and on society. Through the study of complex microorganism-host interactions, the student is able to understand and describe  infectious processes dynamics, pathogenetic mechanisms and the main strategies of prophylaxis and antiviral and antibacterial therapy, with particular reference to common or relevant topical diseases . The student is also able to illustrate and masterfully discuss the main investigation techniques used in basic research and microbiological diagnostics, as well as the main applications of biotechnology in the biomedical field.

Course contents

PART 1 - Applied Virology Lectures (3cfu , 24 hrs )

Contents:

Introduction- Infectious diseases. Pathogenic viruses. Transmission, prevention and control of infectious diseases.

How to study viruses and viral diagnostic methods. Viral spread strategies and Viral pathogenesis. Viral oncogenesis.

Antiviral defense and viral immune evasion strategies. Interferon system.

Antiviral vaccines and Antiviral therapies.

A topic subject  (variable from year to year):  The novel Sars Coronavirus pandemic.

PART 2 - Laboratory of Applied Microbiology and Virology (2cfu, 16hrs -Lectures +1 cfu, 15hrs- Lab)

Contents:

The Microbiology and Virology Lab. Biosafety Principles.

Biotecniques and their application in Microbiology and Virology. Engineering of recombinant bacteria and viruses.

Transgenic expression strategies. Principles and applications

Viral vectors and gene therapy: CAR T cells therapy

Oncolytic viruses and anticancer therapy.

Molecular approaches to the development of viral vaccines.

Lab Activity: Transgenic expression in bacteria. Detection strategies of viral infection.

Readings/Bibliography

Recommended reading, among :

Michele La Placa
Principi di Microbiologia Medica
Società Editrice Esculapio/EdiSES, 14a edizione (2014)

G.Antonelli, M.Clementi, G.Pozzi, G.M.Rossolini
Principi di Microbiologia Medica
Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, 3a edizione (2017)

Text-books suggested also by Prof. Gallinella for the Medical Microbiology Course

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N.Carlone
Microbiologia Farmaceutica
EdiSES, 2a edizione (2013) (If already held)

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Prescott -Microbiologia medica - Mc Graw-Hill, Last Edition

Brock-Madigan-Microbiologia medica -Pearson, Last Edition

Only for attending students

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In addition:

Lectures slides in .pdf files, video and specific articles freely available on IOL platform for students attending the course..

Teaching methods

Lectures with slides. Class reading and discussion of scientific reports.

Laboratory activity.

Assessment methods

PART 1 (Lectures):  Oral examination about courses contents.

PART 2 (LAB): Written examination only for Lab part at the end of the course. Oral examination during the year.

For the final evaluation, the following will be considered: acquisition of knowledge and skills, exhibition capacity and  language properties, ability to synthesize (identification of the key points), ability to analyze and deepening of the topics.

The final mark will be given by the weighted average between the results of the two tests.

Teaching tools

Lectures slides in PowerPoint freely available as .pdf files for students attending the course at IOL platform.

Documents, videos and tests available at the same web site.

.pdf Slides do NOT replace the textbook.

For more information, please contact the teacher.

Office hours

See the website of Elisa Avitabile