Learning objectives
The course aims to give the students the knowledge about the general characteristics of the aetiological agents of the principal infectious diseases with a particular interest in the infectious diseases of the obstetrical-gynecological apparatus.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
Illustration of the general characteristics of bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses and their relationships with humans. Outline the principles for the laboratory diagnosis of infections: direct methods (demonstration in the biological material of microorganisms and viruses or their components) and indirect methods (demonstration of a recent specific immune response). Outline of the main antibacterial drugs (antibiotics and chemotherapeutics) and determination of the in vitro sensitivity of bacteria. Illustration of the characteristics of infection agents of obstetric-gynecological interest and the maternal-fetal district. Notes on the hospital environment's main infection control and prevention systems: disinfection, disinfestation, and sterilization.
Full programme
Bacteriology
General characteristics of the prokaryotic cell. Morphological and structural aspects of the prokaryotic cell (wall, external membrane, cytoplasmic membrane, nucleus, flagella, pili, fimbriae, capsule, and spore). Notes on the reproduction of bacteria. Pathogenic action of bacteria. Bacterium-host relationships. Microbial population resident in the human organism. Pathogenicity and virulence of bacteria (adhesins, exoenzymes, bacterial exo- and endotoxins). Notes on the principles for the laboratory diagnosis of bacterial infections: direct methods (demonstration of the bacterium or its components in the biological material), indirect methods (demonstration of a specific humoral immune reaction). Notes on the main antibacterial drugs (antibiotics and chemotherapy) and determination of in vitro sensitivity by bacteria: notes on the antibiogram. Main bacteria responsible for infectious diseases in humans:
Staphylococci (Staphylococcus aureus), Streptococci (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus agalactiae) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Notes on bacterial infections of obstetric-gynecological and maternal-fetal interest sustained by: group B streptococci; Treponema pallidum. Notes on infections caused by agents of the TORCH complex.
Mycology
General characteristics of fungi. The cell and the fungal colony; yeasts and filamentous fungi. Notes relating to Candida albicans infections of the urogenital district.
Parasitology
Definition of parasite; parasite-host relationships; routes of penetration and elimination of parasites.
Presentation of some protozoan parasites of medical interest: notes on the life cycles of: protozoan parasites of the blood and tissues (Toxoplasma gondii) and protozoan parasites of the urogenital system (Trichomonas vaginalis).
Virology
Main biological, morphological and structural characteristics of viruses;
definition of virus, viral size and shape, chemical composition, types of nucleic acids. The classification of viruses (outline). The stages of viral infection. The cultivation of viruses: notes on the main methods used.
Notes on the main methods used for the laboratory diagnosis of viral infections: search for the virus or its components; demonstration of a specific humoral immune response. Modes of virus transmission; routes of penetration and elimination of viruses. Notes on infections supported by the main sexually and vertically transmitted viruses: hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human papilloma virus (HPV), herpes viruses (cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 (HSV-1; HSV-2), varicella-zoster virus) and rubella virus.
Notes on the main infection control and prevention systems in hospital environments: disinfection, disinfestation and sterilization.
Bibliography
LE BASI DELLA MICROBIOLOGIA con approfondimenti clinici. Richard A. Harvey, Pamela C. Champe, Bruce D. Fisher. Editore Zanichelli.
Microbiologia e Microbiologia clinica. Per le professioni sanitarie e odontoiatria. Simona De Grazia, Donatella Ferraro, Giovanni Giammanco. Ediz. MyLab. Editore Pearson.
Elementi di microbiologia e microbiologia clinica. Paola Cipriani, Giordano Dicuonzo. Editore McGraw-Hill Education.
Microbiologia medica. Batteriologia e Virologia. Maria Pia Conte, Paola Mastromarino. Editore Esculapio.
Teaching methods
Lectures will be held on-site. Supporting material will be available on the specific student-reserved platform (Elly) and will include slide presentations.
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral examination
Other information
The teacher is available for clarification by making an appointment by e-mail.
