76049 - Clinical Microbiology

Learning outcomes

The student has, at the end of the module, general knowledge relating to the field of microbiology and clinical microbiology; has also knowledge on cellular and molecular basis of microbial pathogenicity, interactions between microorganism and host, on the clinical and diagnostic aspects of microbiological and virological analysis, with a focus in the podology field

Course contents

General Information on Infectious Diseases:
Endogenous and exogenous infections; transmission routes of exogenous infections; relationship between infection and disease: dynamics of the infectious process in exogenous infections.
Nosocomial infections. Opportunistic infections.

Bacteria:
Structure of the bacterial cell; pathogenic potential of bacteria; bacterial replication and growth; bacterial cultivation; overview of the diagnosis of bacterial diseases; vaccines and antibacterial drugs; antibiotic susceptibility testing (antibiogram). Main medically relevant bacteria and diagnostic principles.

Viruses:
Structure, classification, replication; pathogenic potential of viruses; cell cultures and virus cultivation; overview of the diagnosis of viral diseases; main medically relevant viruses and diagnostic principles. Antiviral drugs.

Fungi:
Structure of the fungal cell, growth and replication, classification; main medically relevant fungi; diagnosis of cutaneous mycoses.

Skin:
Normal microbial flora, skin infections. Folliculitis, Furuncle, Carbuncle, Necrotizing fasciitis, Cellulitis, Erysipelas, Impetigo. Skin infections caused by bacteria; skin infections caused by viruses; skin infections caused by fungi.

Readings/Bibliography

Microbiologia e Microbiologia Clinica -per i corsi di laurea in professioni sanitarie-R. Cevenini, V. Sambri, Ed Piccin

Teaching methods

Lectures with the help of a video projector and PC

Assessment methods

Registration for the exam session is mandatory through Alma Esami and takes place in a single examination for the Integrated Course of PATOLOGIA (code76046)

The final assessment consists of an oral exam, during which the student will primarily discuss a topic from the course syllabus. During the interview, additional questions will be asked to assess the student’s depth of understanding of both the chosen topic and other topics covered in the program, their critical ability to make connections between different areas of knowledge, and their overall comprehension of the subjects addressed during lectures.

The exam will be considered passed if the student demonstrates sufficient knowledge of each topic.

Students who show an integrated understanding of the course topics, combined with critical use of this knowledge, the ability to establish connections, and a mastery of both expression and subject-specific terminology, will be awarded higher marks. The final grade for the Integrated Course will be calculated as the weighted mathematical average based on the course credits.

Final grade scale:

• 18–19: Limited preparation on a very small number of topics covered in the course; analytical skills emerging only with help from the examiner; overall correct language use.
• 20–24: Preparation on a limited number of topics; independent analytical ability limited to purely operational questions; correct language use.
• 25–29: Broad preparation across many course topics; ability to make autonomous choices in critical analysis; proper use of technical terminology.
• 30–30L: Substantially comprehensive preparation on all course topics; autonomous critical analysis and ability to make interdisciplinary connections; full mastery of terminology, argumentation, and self-reflection.

Students with learning disabilities or temporary/permanent impairments are encouraged to contact the dedicated support office as soon as possible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) to agree on appropriate compensatory measures. Requests must be submitted in advance (at least 15 days before the exam date) to the instructor, who will evaluate the suitability of such measures in light of the course learning objectives.

Teaching tools

In-class lectures will be supported by Power Point slides. Slides will be online available at the end of each lecture. The teaching material is available at

https://virtuale.unibo.it by using student's username and password

Office hours

See the website of Paola Dal Monte