Microbiology
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to provide the student with the basic microbiology knowledge necessary to understand the theoretical-practical in-depth courses, planned for the following years, with particular reference to:
1) structural and molecular organization, metabolism and virulence factors of the main microorganisms of medical interest;
2) how microorganisms are studied using preparations to be observed under a microscope;
3) culture media and their use in procedures for isolating and quantifying microorganisms;
4) most common methods for identifying microorganisms through biochemical testing and serological testing;
5) bacterial isolation and determination of bacterial count;
6) how microorganisms are controlled using sterilization and disinfection techniques.
1) structural and molecular organization, metabolism and virulence factors of the main microorganisms of medical interest;
2) how microorganisms are studied using preparations to be observed under a microscope;
3) culture media and their use in procedures for isolating and quantifying microorganisms;
4) most common methods for identifying microorganisms through biochemical testing and serological testing;
5) bacterial isolation and determination of bacterial count;
6) how microorganisms are controlled using sterilization and disinfection techniques.
Expected learning outcomes
The student will have to know:
the structural and molecular organization, metabolism, growth phase, growth conditions, and virulence factors, for the diagnosis of the main microorganisms of medical interest
the preparation techniques of preparations for bacterioscopic examination
the different culture media for the isolation and determination of the microbial load.
the most common biochemical tests and serological tests for the identification of microorganisms.
be able to practically perform bacterial isolation and bacterial load determination.
be able to prepare a colture medium or similars
know how to use sterilization and disinfection techniques to control microorganisms.
the structural and molecular organization, metabolism, growth phase, growth conditions, and virulence factors, for the diagnosis of the main microorganisms of medical interest
the preparation techniques of preparations for bacterioscopic examination
the different culture media for the isolation and determination of the microbial load.
the most common biochemical tests and serological tests for the identification of microorganisms.
be able to practically perform bacterial isolation and bacterial load determination.
be able to prepare a colture medium or similars
know how to use sterilization and disinfection techniques to control microorganisms.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Prerequisites for admission
Student must have previously acquired the basic knowledge of the biology.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is in a written form with test quiz and open questions about all the topics listed in the program. If required in particular case, there is the possibility to do oral examination. The evaluation is a grade expressed out of thirty.
Microbiology and clinical microbiology
Course syllabus
OVERVIEW ON MICROORGANISMS GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BACTERIA THE BACTERIAL CELL · Dimensions, shape and grouping · Architecture of the prokaryotic cell THE CONCEPT OF SPECIES IN BACTERIOLOGY AND THE CLASSIFICATION OF BACTERIA BACTERIAL REPRODUCTION AND SPORE PRODUCTION BACTERIAL BIOFILM BACTERIAL METABOLISM · Metabolic processes that generate energy (fermentation, aerobic respiration and anaerobic respiration) · The macromolecular syntheses in particular, the synthesis of peptidoglycan MICROBIAL GROWTH · Chemical requirements necessary for growth · Physical requirements that condition growth THE PATHOGENICITY OF BACTERIA · The mechanism of the pathogenic action of bacteria · The toxins production BACTERIOPHAGES BACTERIAL GENETICS · Gene structure and function · Bacterial genetic heritage · Bacterial mutations · Intercellular transfer of genetic material: transformation, transduction, lysogenic conversion, conjugation DISINFECTION AND STERILIZATION CULTIVATION OF BACTERIA · Culture media · Bacterial growth in liquid media: the growth curve of a bacterial population · Continuous bacterial culture · Bacterial growth in solid media · Techniques for bacterial isolation · Storage of isolated bacteria · Laboratory methods for the measurement of bacterial growth ANTIBACTERIAL DRUGS · Antibiotics and chemotherapic agents · Antimicrobial resistance NOTES ON THE IMMUNE RESPONSE DURING INFECTION MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION OF BACTERIA · Fresh examination · Examination of preparations by fixation and staining · Gram staining · Ziehl-Neelsen staining · Ink staining GENERAL CRITERIA FOR DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT OF BACTERIAL DISEASES · Bacteriological test · Determination of the bacteria sensitivity to the action of antibiotics and chemotherapics · Serological tests GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ANIMAL VIRUSES: · Chemical composition and structure CLASSIFICATION CRITERIA VIRUS-HOST INTERACTION: · Phases of the viral cycle CULTIVATION AND TITRATION OF VIRUSES · Cell cultures · Identification of viral multiplication in cell cultures · Titration of viruses PATHOGENIC ACTION OF VIRUSES THE ANTIVIRAL DEFENSES OF THE ORGANISM NOT DEPENDENT ON THE IMMUNE RESPONSE-INTERFERON PRODUCTION NOTES OF VIROLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS · Demonstration of the presence of viruses in the organism · Demonstration of a specific immune movement ANTIVIRAL DRUGS GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MYCETES · Structure of the fungal cell · Fungal metabolism · Reproduction method: sexual and asexual reproduction · Classification of mycetes · Ecology of pathogenic fungi and their geographical distribution · Pathogenesis of mycoses · Mechanism of the pathogenic action · Antifungal drugs GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PARASITES (PROTOZOI AND METAZOI) GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PRIONS
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons assisted by visual tools Clinical Microbiology Exercises
Teaching Resources
-Eudes Lanciotti: Microbiologia Clinica, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana -Michele La Placa: Principi di Microbiologia Medica, Edises s.r.l., Napoli -Patrick R. Murray, Ken S. Rosenthal, Michael A. Pfaller: Microbiologia Medica, Edra Masson, Milano
Medical and biotechnology laboratory techniques
Course syllabus
IMMUNITY IN INFECTIONS · Nonspecific immunity · Antigens and antibodies · The immune response (humoral and cell-mediated immunity) · The in vitro antigen-antibody interaction and serological reactions THE USE OF SEROLOGICAL TESTS FOR LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS DIAGNOSIS OF INFECTION DISEASES: general principles · General characteristics of protozoan parasites PRACTICAL PERFORMING OF: · Disinfection and sterilization · Culture media preparation · Microscopic examination of bacteria after Gram and Ziehl-Neelsen stains · Bacterial count · Determination of the bacteria sensitivity to the action of antibiotics and chemotherapics
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons assisted by visual tools
Teaching Resources
-Eudes Lanciotti: Microbiologia Clinica, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana -Michele La Placa: Principi di Microbiologia Medica, Edises s.r.l., Napoli -Patrick R. Murray, Ken S. Rosenthal, Michael A. Pfaller: Microbiologia Medica, Edra Masson, Milano
Modules or teaching units
Medical and biotechnology laboratory techniques
MEDS-26/B - Technical Diagnostic, Assistance and Prevention Health Profession Sciences - University credits: 2
Exercises: 15 hours
Lessons: 10 hours
Lessons: 10 hours
Professor:
Parapini Silvia
Shifts:
Gruppo 1
Professor:
Parapini SilviaGruppo 2
Professor:
Parapini SilviaTurno
Professor:
Parapini Silvia
Microbiology and clinical microbiology
MEDS-03/A - Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology - University credits: 3
Lessons: 30 hours
Professor:
Sisto Francesca
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Sisto FrancescaProfessor(s)