The course aims to provide the fundamental theoretical knowledge and practical skills of the techniques for virological and microbiological diagnostics. The lectures will provide an essential overview of the aspects of Microbiology and Diagnostic Virology to acquire the fundamental knowledge on both conventional and molecular methods used in the diagnosis of the main human infections sustained by microorganisms. During the laboratory lessons, various research strategies in molecular diagnostics will be put into practice for the qualitative / quantitative detection of nucleic acid sequences of some viruses of human interest (HIV-1 e HPV), in addition to the use of KIT (C.E.) for the qualitative diagnostic research of SARS-CoV-2 in samples of interest. With regard to serological investigations, a laboratory activity will be performed to search for antibodies in samples (sera) of subjects vaccinated for COVID-19. At the same time, the course provides students with the knowledge of the principles on which the interpretation of the results of a microbiological analysis is based, and possible statistical analysis.

Course contents (frontal lessons)

Definition and objectives of Diagnostic Microbiology. Microbiology laboratory. Pre-analytical and analytical phases in microbiological diagnostics. Pathogenic and "commensal" microorganisms: brief general information and particular attention to microbial contamination during sample collection: false negative and positive diagnostic tests. Laboratory diagnosis of infection: general principles; direct and indirect diagnosis;  collection and transport of specimens to be examined; diagnosis in relation to the specimens (blood, CSF, urine, sputum, etc.). Basic and advanced techniques for demonstrating the presence and isolation of microbial agents (viruses, bacteria). Principles and techniques for the molecular diagnosis of infection. Analytical formats and automation in the microbiology laboratory. Principles and techniques for the in vitro determination of the sensitivity of microorganisms to antimicrobials. Reactions and techniques of diagnostic serology.

Laboratory experiments

1) Qualitative diagnostics (pathogen nucleic acid research): molecular test for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus in oral-pharyngeal swab.

2) Qualitative (semi-quantitative) diagnostics (detection of the immune response to infection): enzymatic assay ELISA test for the determination of IgG antibodies in the sera of samples of subjects vaccinated with COVID 19 vaccine.

3) Qualitative and semi-quantitative research diagnostics (pathogen nucleic acid research, "home made" developed test): molecular test for the detection of papilloma virus in cell samples.

4) Quantitative research diagnostics (pathogen nucleic acid research, "home made" developed test): molecular test for the quantification of HIV-1 DNA in the blood cells of subjects receiving antiviral therapy.

A good knowledge of basic Molecular Biology is required to understand the course contents.

Knowledge and understanding - Students will have to demonstrate that they have acquired the theoretical and practical knowledge of the methodological and instrumental procedures for the identification of etiological agents and for the diagnosis of infection in humans

Applying knowledge and understanding - Students will have to demonstrate that they have mastered the methodologies covered during the course and to develop and to evaluate their use in an experimental context and / or approach for the diagnosis of infection

Indipendence of judgment - Students must be able to autonomously elaborate the results obtained in the diagnostic experimental phase on the basis of the knowledge gained with the lectures.

Communicative skills - The student will have to acquire an adequate scientific language property and the ability to explain in an exhaustive manner the acquired knowledge as well as to know how to interface with the future professional roles (researchers, students, health care workers).

Learning ability - Students must demonstrate that they have the ability to independently find the scientific publications related to the course, and the ability to participate, using the knowledge gained in the course, in continuous updating initiatives in the professional field.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Teaching material and teacher messages are available,in the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it 

Teaching

Lectures and hands-on lab experiences

Innovative teaching methods

Attendance

Attendance at hands-on laboratory experiences is suggested

Course books

• E.Lanciotti. Microbiologia clinica (quinta edizione). Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.
• J.K. Struthers. Microbiologia clinica (seconda edizione). Edra s.p.a.
• M.L. Turgeon. Medicina nel Laboratorio. Edra s.p.a.
• G. Antonelli, M. Clementi, G. Pozzi, G.M. Rossolini. Microbiologia medica (terza edizione). Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.
• The lesson files and some reviews published in international scientific journals will be made available online (moodle platform).

Assessment

The exam consists of a written test. The written test will be judged with a mark out of thirty.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Lectures and hands-on lab experiences

Attendance

Attendance at hands-on laboratory experiences is suggested

Course books

• E.Lanciotti. Microbiologia clinica (quinta edizione). Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.
• J.K. Struthers. Microbiologia clinica (seconda edizione). Edra s.p.a.
• M.L. Turgeon. Medicina nel Laboratorio. Edra s.p.a.
• G. Antonelli, M. Clementi, G. Pozzi, G.M. Rossolini. Microbiologia medica (terza edizione). Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.
• The lesson files and some reviews published in international scientific journals will be made available online (moodle platform).

Assessment

The exam consists of a written test. The written test will be judged with a mark out of thirty.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.