LEARNING OUTCOMES
Aim of the course:
The course’s theoretical syllabus aims to introduce students to the application of Microbiology in laboratory and clinical practice. All microorganisms related to human infections are discussed by system and their early diagnosis with the help of clinical protocols proposed by European and National agencies, but also by recent and updated literature. Finally, it concludes with an introduction to the emerging infections and tropical diseases.
Objectives and expected learning outcomes:
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to know and understand:
• Bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites that cause infections in humans by system, the clinical symptoms and methods used for their laboratory diagnosis.
• New and emerging infections and tropical diseases, clinical characteristics and treatment.
• Factors contribute to disease progression caused by infections and antimicrobial treatment. Development of theoretical and practical skills in the design and execution of clinical and laboratory protocols.
• Epidemiology of infections and the current ‘tools’ used to deal with an epidemic.
• How to use general texts, reference books and a range of other resources to further develop knowledge through continuous independent learning.
• How to develop a research paper either individually or in a group (searching the relevant literature, evaluating the data and writing).
• How to use general texts, reference books and a range of other resources to further develop knowledge through continuous independent learning.
SYLLABUS
Lectures:
1. Introduction: Historical overview/ Laboratory Microbiology in practice. Definitions: Infection, Species of infectious agents, epidemic/epidemic strain. Abnormalities of laboratory parameters in infections.
2. Diagnosis of bacterial infections-Epidemiological correlation: Gold standard culture microbiological methods, Molecular techniques. The role of Reference Centers in epidemiological investigation (ECDC, KEELPNO). European networks, European and International Organizations. European and International Surveillance Systems for Waterborne (EWGLI) and Foodborne Infections (TESSy).
3. Clinical laboratory investigation protocols: Development of protocols to deal with epidemics caused by infectious agents (tuberculosis, malaria, cholera).
4. Nosocomial infections: Which infection is considered nosocomial/Endogenous-Exogenous. Definitions: Colonization, Contamination, Contamination, Recontamination. The main ones: bacteremias, urinary tract infections, surgical wound infections, respiratory infections, bacteremia. Causative factors. Transmission, Clinical picture and laboratory diagnosis.
5. Infections of the reproductive system/urinary system: Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), Colpitis, Infections of the male genital system. Cystitis, Pyelonephritis, common urinary tract infections, recurrent urinary tract infections. Description – Causative factors. Clinical picture and laboratory diagnosis.
6. Respiratory System Infections: Upper and Lower Respiratory, Community Pneumonia, Gram (+) Cocci Pneumonia, Atypical Pneumonia, Legionnaires’ Disease. Description – Causative factors. Clinical picture and laboratory diagnosis.
7. Gastrointestinal System Infections: Diarrheal Syndrome, Nosocomial Gastroenteritis, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome/Foodborne Infections. Description – Causative factors. Clinical picture and laboratory diagnosis.
8. Oral cavity infections: Viral-Herpetic (HSV, VZ, EBV), HIV, Fungal (candidiasis, histoplasmosis). Description – Causative factors. Clinical picture and laboratory diagnosis.
9. Skin-Mucous/Eye Infections: Viral Infections, Fungal Infections, Staphylococcal/Streptococcal Infections. Description – Causative factors. Clinical picture and laboratory diagnosis.
10. Neuro-infections: Meningitis, Encephalitis, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Neurotropic Viruses, Spongiform Encephalopathy. Description – Causative factors. Clinical picture and laboratory diagnosis.
11. Infections in immunosuppressed persons: Infections during chemotherapy, Infections in HIV patients, children-elderly-people with chronic diseases. Description – Causative factors. Clinical picture and laboratory diagnosis.
12. Emerging Infections/Tropical Diseases: Emerging Respiratory Viruses, Emerging Blood Transmitted Pathogens, Malaria, Tuberculosis. Diseases caused by protozoa, helminths, viruses. The mode of their transmission, the clinical manifestations, their geographical distribution, the preventive measures. Description – Causative factors. Clinical picture and laboratory diagnosis.
13. Infections caused by anaerobic microbes: Infective endocarditis, infections of prostheses, dissolution of the continuity of the skin and mucous membrane of the oral cavity. Description – Causative factors. Clinical picture and laboratory diagnosis.