Prerequisites
Prerequisite courses: 503750 - Medical Clinical-Surgical.
The student who enters the General Pathology and Microbiology Course (1st year, 2nd semester) must have acquired a good knowledge of the topics covered in the 1st semester, especially Anatomy. Furthermore, he must know the preparatory topics present in the courses of Biology, Biochemistry and Physiology.
Learning outcomes
The course aims to provide students with knowledge about the biology and genetics of microorganisms of medical interest, their role as disease agents and the principles of conventional microbiological diagnostics. In addition, students will be provided with notions regarding the composition of the microbial flora in normal conditions and in disease conditions and the methodological tools to understand the pathogenesis, therapy and epidemiology of infections.
Furthermore, the student will learn the correct use of scientific and medical terminology.
Course contents
Epidemiological aspects of infectious diseases.
The bacterial cell, fundamental components and accessory components (hints to the bacterial spore).
Methods of sterilization and disinfection.
The normal bacterial flora. Microbiota and pathogenesis.
Host-parasite interaction and pathogenesis of infectious diseases.
Mechanism of action of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance: methods for assessing in vitro antimicrobial activity (antibiogram and MIC).
Methods of taking, from various anatomical districts, clinical samples for microbiological analysis and their correct storage.
Direct and indirect diagnostic assessment criteria: microscopic examination, culture, diagnostics with manual / automated and molecular systems, serology.
General characteristics of bacteria of medical interest, with particular reference to staphylococci and streptococci, mycobacteria, chlamydiae, enterobacteria, pseudomonas and other non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli, neisserie, spirochetes, hemophiles.
Structure, biological properties, virus replication.
Pathogenesis and diagnostics of viral infections: general approach, virological and serological investigations.
General characteristics of viruses of medical interest, with particular reference to retroviruses, viruses that cause hepatitis, herpesviruses, papillomaviruses, orthomixoviruses, paramixoviruses, adenoviruses and coronaviruses (notes).
Reproductive tract infections (sexually transmitted diseases), obstetric and postnatal infections, hepatitis, gastroenteritis, food poisoning, urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections (upper and lower tract), central nervous system infections, infections of the bloodstream, nosocomial infections related to care practice: host / parasite relationship, main pathogens, diagnostic assessment criteria and surveillance principles.
Reccomended or required readings
Textbook of Microbiology for Nursing Students. R.R. Rao (Author)
Basic Medical Microbiology, Author : Patrick R. Murray
Medical Microbiology. Patrick R. Murray, Ken S. Rosenthal, Michael A. Pfaller
Elsevier - Health Sciences Division
The slides of the lecture will be available on the KIRO portal (pdf format).
Assessment methods
The Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology exam is written and consists of 16 multiple-choice quizzes and 2 open questions. The 2 open questions are replaced by quizzes in case of use of the kirotesting platform (online exam COVID-19 restrictions period)
Students will have 90 minutes to complete the assignment.
The exam of General Pathology and Microbiology will be passed only if a positive vote has been reported in both modules (Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology; General Pathology and Clinical / Immunology).
Università di Pavia - Offerta formativa