MICROBIOLOGY TECHNIQUES

General Module

Course Sheet

Course code:

TL21B333G

Academic Year of enrolment:

2021

Year of supply:

2022/2023

Type of Course:

Characterising

Degree:

Course of 1st Cycle Degree in BIOMEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNIQUES

Disciplinary Sector:

Laboratory Medicine Techniques

Is part of:

MICROBIOLOGY SCIENCES

Location:

CHIETI

Credits:

Programme Year:

Professor and Collaborators:

ALLOCATI Nerino

Cycle:

First semester

Obligatory attendance:

Yes

Hours of classroom activity:

Individual study hours:

Prerequisites:

Those listed in the didactics regulation.

Objectives

At the end of this course students:
-should be able to compare and contrast different microbial diseases, including the properties of different types of pathogens, and the mechanisms of pathogenesis;
- should be able to describe in detail those classes of microorganisms of specific relevance to the common diseases.
- should be able to identify microorganisms with the several techniques utilized.
- have good knowledge of the laboratory detection of the diagnosis methods.

Contents

The course provides the conceptual basis for understanding pathogenic bacteria and viruses and the mechanisms by which they cause disease in the human body. In particular, classes of microorganisms of specific relevance to the common diseases will be discussed in detail. Identification of each pathogen is emphasized and includes selection of specimens to examine, routes of transmission, isolation media, and macroscopic and microscopic characteristics as applicable. Disease correlation and disease prevention are covered as well.

The subject describes the several techniques for identification of microorganisms in clinical laboratory. Identification of bacterial pathogens and viruses are emphasized and includes selection of specimens to examine, transport and isolation media.

Extended Syllabus

Classification of microorganisms.
Pathogenesis, Lab diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and Control of the bacterial human pathogens.
Gram-positive cocci: Staphylococci, Streptococci. Gram-negative cocci: Neisseria. Gram-positive rods: Mycobacterium, Corynebacterium, Listeria monocytogenes. Gram-negative rods: Enterobacteriaceae, Vibrionaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, Campylobactr, Helicobacter, Bordetella, Brucella. Spore-forming Gram-positive bacilli: Clostridium and Bacillus.
Spirochaetes, Mycoplasma, Legionella pneumoniae, Rickettsie, Chlamydiae.
Pathogenesis, Lab diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and Control of the viral human pathogens.
Characteristics and classification of viruses. Virus structure: non- enveloped and enveloped viruses. Viral replication: life cycle of viruses with animal and prokaryote hosts. Mechanisms of viral pathogenesis. Antiviral drugs.
RNA viruses: Orthomyxovirus, Rotavirus, Filovirus, Retrovirus, Togaviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Flaviviridae, Picornavirus, Delta virus.
DNA viruses: Herpesvirus, Adenovirus, Hepadnavirus, Papillomavirus.
Prions. Hospital-acquired infections.

Selection, collection procedure, storage, transport and processing of clinical specimens.
Bacterial identification: conventional and molecular methods.
Direct examination and techniques: microscopy, stains and type of culture media.
Identification: manual and automated techniques for identification, antigen detection assays, molecular techniques.
Indirect serodiagnosis assay.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility: to determine susceptibility or resistance to antimicrobial agents.
Identification of viruses.
Electron microscope
Isolation and culture of viruses. molecular techniques. Serodiagnosis: direct and indirect assays.

Recommended Bibliography

Murray PR, Rosenthal KS, Pfaller MA: Microbiologia Medica 9a Ed. Edra, 2021.
Antonelli, Clementi, Pozzi, Rossolini: Principi di Microbiologia Medica, 3a Ed., 2017.

Teaching Methods

Teaching method: frontal lectures and material provided by teacher.

Evaluation methods

Verification of learning:

The exam method is an oral test designed to verify the results of the expected learning, in accordance with the educational and specific objectives of the course. The oral examination is placed at the end of the course, after having achieved the attendance to the same, according to a schedule established and published on the University web page at the beginning of the academic year. The outcome of the test is evaluated as the result of learning the specific and training objectives, such as knowledge and understanding, capacity for logical integration and application. At the end of the test the teacher will form an opinion expressed in terms of Italian grades and their correspondent European Credit Transfer System grade (In Italian Universities grades are given on the basis of 30 points).
1) Rating 30 - 30 cum laude (corresponding to ECTS grade A): Excellent knowledge and understanding of the subjects, ability to reason and logical integration of the acquired knowledge. If the student, who has achieved this evaluation, demonstrates autonomy of judgment, high communication skills and autonomous learning skills, a laude can be added by the commision.
2) Rating 27 - 29 (corresponding to ECTS grade B): Good knowledge and understanding of the topics with some non-serious inaccuracies and with a good capacity for logical integration and judgment.
3) Rating: 23 - 26 (corresponding to ECTS grade C): Discrete knowledge and understanding of the topics and, despite some gaps in the ability to integrate and apply knowledge.
4) Rating 20 - 22 (corresponding to ECTS grade D): Knowledge and understanding of the arguments fully sufficient, although there are clear gaps, which are reflected in a reduced capacity for integration, logic and application.
5) Rating 18 - 19 (corresponding to ECTS grade E): Knowledge and understanding of the topics with serious and evident gaps, with limited integrative and applicative skills, but which also allow the passing of the exam.
N.B. For Integrated Courses (exams covering more than one module or course unit) a single exam will be held and a final grade given.

Contacts/More Information

In-Person office hours: Monday – Friday from 10:00 to 13:00.
Or by appointment: contact the professor by email: nerino.allocati@unich.it.

Università degli Studi
"G. d'Annunzio"

Chieti - Pescara

Aree