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DIAGNOSTIC MICROBIOLOGY
ELEONORA GIOVANETTI

Seat Scienze
A.A. 2016/2017
Credits 7
Hours 56
Period 1^ semestre
Language ENG
U-gov code SM04 5S019

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of General Microbiology and Bacteriologyy.

Development of the course

Lectures (6 credits, 48 hours) and lab practice carried out individually or in small groups (1 credit, 8 hours).

Learning outcomes

Knowledge:
In this course you will learn the basics of both classical and molecular techniques used in the diagnosis of major diseases caused by microorganisms. You will also discover the principles underlying the request and the interpretation of the microbiological analysis results.

Ability to apply the knowledge:
Each student will have to develop the ability of formulating an etiological diagnosis based on infection site and clinical material examined (blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, sputum, faeces, etc.).

Soft skills:
Lab practice will contribute to improve students’ interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team. A practical approach to the subject will also develop students’ independence in terms of work management, initiative, flexibility and general behaviours.

Program

What you’ll learn (theoretical training, 6 credits, 48 ore): 
Definition and objectives of diagnostic microbiology. Laboratory diagnosis of infection: general methodology; direct and indirect diagnosis; choice, sampling and transport of clinical specimens for microbiological examination; diagnosis based on site of infection and clinical material (blood, CSF, urine, sputum, etc.). Major techniques for demonstrating and isolating microbial agents (viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa) from clinical specimens. Principles and practice of molecular diagnosis of infection. Principles and practice of in vitro susceptibility testing of microorganisms to antibiotics. Reactions and techniques of diagnostic serology.
The laboratory of diagnostic microbiology and particular infectious types: community- and hospital-acquired infections, perinatal infections, sexually transmitted infections, infections of the immunocompromised host. Laboratory diagnosis of infections related to the development of microbial biofilms. Laboratory diagnosis of hepatitis and HIV infections. Laboratory diagnosis of prion diseases.
Lab practice (1 credit, 8 hours):
Microbiological examination of a throat swab.
Execution and interpretation of a blood culture.
Execution and interpretation of a urine culture. Antibiogram and antimicrobial susceptibility tests.

Development of the examination

Methods for assessing learning outcomes:
The exam will take the form of an interview and each student will be asked three questions.

Criteria for assessing learning outcomes: 
Each student will be required to demonstrate an understanding of conventional and molecular methods in the diagnosis of major diseases caused by microorganisms. Each student will also be expected to describe the methods used based on examined clinical specimen, to recognise expected microorganisms, and interpret final results.   

Criteria for measuring learning outcomes:
A 30-points scale will be used to measure your performance, with 18 being the minimum score to pass the exam and 30 being the highest. In the event of an outstanding performance, the professor can decide to reward the student with a 30 cum laude. 

Criteria for conferring final mark:
The final mark will be awarded based on the evaluations of the answers to the three questions. Honours will be awarded when the mark is 30 and the student has demonstrated particularly good command of the matter.

Recommended reading

Useful resources suggested by the course professor to study and prepare for final exam. 
J. Keith Struthers, Roger P. Westran. Clinical Bacteriology. ASM Press, 2003
R. Cevenini, Microbiologia Clinica, Piccin, 2010

Courses

• Biologia molecolare e applicata