Unit LABORATORY OF MOLECULAR BIOTECHNOLOGY AND MICROBIOLOGY

LABORATORY OF MICROBIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Code	A005524
CFU	6
Teacher	Gianluigi Cardinali
Learning activities	Caratterizzante
Area	Discipline biotecnologiche con finalità specifiche:agrarie
Sector	AGR/16
Type of study-unit	Obbligatorio (Required)

Canale A

CFU

6

Teacher

Gianluigi Cardinali

Teachers

• Gianluigi Cardinali

Hours

• 72 ore - Gianluigi Cardinali

Language of instruction

Italian

Contents

The course is organized into 6 ECTS credits, structured into theoretical-practical modules and laboratory activities.
The theoretical lectures introduce the fundamental principles of cultural and quantitative microbiology, with particular reference to microbial nutrition, culture media, sterilization, enrichment, isolation, quantification of microorganisms, microbiological selection, microbial growth models and bioassays.
The classroom-based practical activities, carried out with the support of MS Excel, are aimed at the processing and interpretation of quantitative microbiological data. They will cover sterilization models, enrichment models and microbial population imbalance, viable and total counts, microbiological selection models, microbial growth and the analysis of data derived from bioassays.
The course also includes 1 ECTS credit of instrumental Microbiology laboratory, devoted to the practical application of the main basic microbiological techniques. For laboratory activities, students will be divided into groups, with a maximum of 30 students per group, and will attend three guided practical sessions of 4 hours each. Activities will include microscopic observation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms, recognition of microbial morphologies, isolation in pure culture, analysis of colony macromorphologies, and performance and interpretation of viable plate counts.

Reference texts

The reference text is "Biologia dei Microrganismi" by Gianni Dehò and Enrica Galli, published by Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.
The Professor will provide students with educational materials, including lecture presentations and notes on quantitative microbiology, within the Unistudium platform.

Educational objectives

This course represents the second laboratory-based course within the bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology and is aimed at deepening the main models and basic techniques used for the laboratory study of microorganisms.
The general objective of the course is to provide students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to carry out experimental activities in the field of quantitative microbiology and microbial biotechnology, from microbial cultivation and isolation to quantification, modelling and interpretation of experimental data.
At the end of the course, students will acquire knowledge of:
structural and functional properties of microorganisms of biotechnological interest;
principles of microbial nutrition, sterilization, enrichment, isolation and pure culture;
microbiological and mathematical models applied to the laboratory study of microorganisms;
basic techniques for the quantification, selection and evaluation of microbial activity;
fundamentals of experimental planning and biological data analysis.
The main skills acquired will include the ability to:
apply theoretical knowledge to the solution of practical problems related to microbial growth and the biotechnological use of microorganisms;
plan a microbiological experiment, from environmental sampling to microbial growth, isolation and quantification in the laboratory;
process quantitative microbiological data and transform experimental data into interpretable and validated results;
use calculation tools, particularly MS Excel, for microbiological data analysis and the solution of experimental problems.

Prerequisites

In order to understand and effectively apply most of the techniques described in the course, it is advisable to have completed the exams of General Biology, General Chemistry, and Mathematics. The topics covered in the module require knowledge of biological systems and processes, as well as the fundamental principles of chemistry necessary for understanding them at a molecular level. Additionally, solving problems related to the growth, selection and quantification of microorganisms requires that the student be familiar with the key mathematical and logical functions, essential for a successful participation in the course.

Teaching methods

Lectures, written and oral review. Test for self-evaluation. Numerical exercises. Laboratory experiences.

Other information

At the beginning of the course, students are encouraged to enrol through Unistudium, not only as the platform where educational materials are uploaded but also as the primary communication channel with the Professor. Regarding office hours, the Professor is available by appointment, to be scheduled in accordance with the other institutional commitments.
Students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) who wish to utilize their certification for the completion of the module must notify the SLD coordinator for the Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Biotechnology. The coordinator will provide all specific instructions to the Professor accordingly.

Learning verification modality

At the end of each ECTS credit unit, a test will be administered through the LibreEOL platform to assess the acquisition of the knowledge and skills expected for the corresponding part. Final eligibility will be achieved based on the outcomes obtained in the individual partial tests and will result from the overall assessment of the evaluation process carried out during the course.
For information on support services for students with disabilities and/or specific learning disorders, please visit: http://www.unipg.it/disabilita-e-dsa

Extended program

1. Nutrition, sterilization, enrichment and isolation (1 ECTS)
The module introduces the theoretical and practical principles of microbial cultivation, selection and isolation. Theoretical part: theory of microbial nutrition and culture media: definition, classification, sterilization and use; principles, models and techniques of sterilization; concept of enrichment; isolation of microorganisms in pure culture and main isolation techniques. Practical part: application of sterilization models using MS Excel and analysis of population imbalance models during microbial enrichment.
2. Quantification (1 ECTS)
The module introduces the theoretical and practical principles for the quantification of microbial populations. Theoretical part: quantification of microorganisms; principles, concepts and main counting techniques; direct and indirect methods. Practical part: exercises in MS Excel for the processing of viable and total count data and interpretation of results.
3. Microbiological selections (1 ECTS)
The module introduces the theoretical and practical principles for the design and analysis of microbiological selection experiments. Theoretical part: planning of a microbiological selection experiment; definition of objectives, selection criteria and experimental conditions; techniques. Practical part: application of selection models and analysis of experimental data using MS Excel.
4. Models of microbial growth (1 ECTS)
The module introduces the main theoretical and practical models for describing microbial growth. Theoretical part: mathematical description of microbial growth; models of exponential, arithmetic and diauxic growth; interpretation of growth parameters. Practical part: exercises in MS Excel for the analysis of exponential and arithmetic growth and interpretation of the corresponding trends.
5. Bioassays (1 ECTS)
The module introduces the theoretical and practical principles of microbiological bioassays and indirect measurements. Theoretical part: introduction to bioassays and indirect measurements; bioassays based on arithmetic growth; bioassays based on inhibition of microbial growth, including disc diffusion test, E-test, MIC assay and MBC assay; genotoxicity tests. Practical part: exercises in MS Excel for the analysis of MIC data.
6. Instrumental laboratory (1 ECTS)
The module is devoted to the practical application of the main basic microbiological techniques. Microscopic observation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms; recognition of the main microbial morphologies; isolation of microorganisms in pure culture; analysis of colony macromorphologies; performance and interpretation of viable plate counts.

Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile

9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Canale B

CFU

6

Teacher

Laura Corte

Teachers

• Laura Corte

Hours

• 72 ore - Laura Corte

Language of instruction

Italian

Contents

The course is organized into 6 ECTS credits, structured into theoretical-practical modules and laboratory activities.
The theoretical lectures introduce the fundamental principles of cultural and quantitative microbiology, with particular reference to microbial nutrition, culture media, sterilization, enrichment, isolation, quantification of microorganisms, microbiological selection, microbial growth models and bioassays.
The classroom-based practical activities, carried out with the support of MS Excel, are aimed at the processing and interpretation of quantitative microbiological data. They will cover sterilization models, enrichment models and microbial population imbalance, viable and total counts, microbiological selection models, microbial growth and the analysis of data derived from bioassays.
The course also includes 1 ECTS credit of instrumental Microbiology laboratory, devoted to the practical application of the main basic microbiological techniques. For laboratory activities, students will be divided into groups, with a maximum of 30 students per group, and will attend three guided practical sessions of 4 hours each. Activities will include microscopic observation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms, recognition of microbial morphologies, isolation in pure culture, analysis of colony macromorphologies, and performance and interpretation of viable plate counts.

Reference texts

The reference text is "Biologia dei Microrganismi" by Gianni Dehò and Enrica Galli, published by Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.
The Professor will provide students with educational materials, including lecture presentations and notes on quantitative microbiology, within the Unistudium platform.

Educational objectives

This course represents the second laboratory-based course within the bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology and is aimed at deepening the main models and basic techniques used for the laboratory study of microorganisms.
The general objective of the course is to provide students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to carry out experimental activities in the field of quantitative microbiology and microbial biotechnology, from microbial cultivation and isolation to quantification, modelling and interpretation of experimental data.
At the end of the course, students will acquire knowledge of:
¿ structural and functional properties of microorganisms of biotechnological interest;
¿ principles of microbial nutrition, sterilization, enrichment, isolation and pure culture;
¿ microbiological and mathematical models applied to the laboratory study of microorganisms;
¿ basic techniques for the quantification, selection and evaluation of microbial activity;
¿ fundamentals of experimental planning and biological data analysis.
The main skills acquired will include the ability to:
¿ apply theoretical knowledge to the solution of practical problems related to microbial growth and the biotechnological use of microorganisms;
¿ plan a microbiological experiment, from environmental sampling to microbial growth, isolation and quantification in the laboratory;
¿ process quantitative microbiological data and transform experimental data into interpretable and validated results;
¿ use calculation tools, particularly MS Excel, for microbiological data analysis and the solution of experimental problems.

Prerequisites

In order to understand and effectively apply most of the techniques described in the course, it is advisable to have completed the exams of General Biology, General Chemistry, and Mathematics. The topics covered in the module require knowledge of biological systems and processes, as well as the fundamental principles of chemistry necessary for understanding them at a molecular level. Additionally, solving problems related to the growth, selection and quantification of microorganisms requires that the student be familiar with the key mathematical and logical functions, essential for a successful participation in the course.

Teaching methods

Lectures, written and oral review. Test for self-evaluation. Numerical exercises. Laboratory experiences.

Other information

At the beginning of the course, students are encouraged to enrol through Unistudium, not only as the platform where educational materials are uploaded but also as the primary communication channel with the Professor. Regarding office hours, the Professor is available by appointment, to be scheduled in accordance with the other institutional commitments.
Students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) who wish to utilize their certification for the completion of the module must notify the SLD coordinator for the Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Biotechnology. The coordinator will provide all specific instructions to the Professor accordingly.

Learning verification modality

At the end of each ECTS credit unit, a test will be administered through the LibreEOL platform to assess the acquisition of the knowledge and skills expected for the corresponding part. Final eligibility will be achieved based on the outcomes obtained in the individual partial tests and will result from the overall assessment of the evaluation process carried out during the course.
For information on support services for students with disabilities and/or specific learning disorders, please visit: http://www.unipg.it/disabilita-e-dsa

Extended program

1. Nutrition, sterilization, enrichment and isolation (1 ECTS)
The module introduces the theoretical and practical principles of microbial cultivation, selection and isolation. Theoretical part: theory of microbial nutrition and culture media: definition, classification, sterilization and use; principles, models and techniques of sterilization; concept of enrichment; isolation of microorganisms in pure culture and main isolation techniques. Practical part: application of sterilization models using MS Excel and analysis of population imbalance models during microbial enrichment.
2. Quantification (1 ECTS)
The module introduces the theoretical and practical principles for the quantification of microbial populations. Theoretical part: quantification of microorganisms; principles, concepts and main counting techniques; direct and indirect methods. Practical part: exercises in MS Excel for the processing of viable and total count data and interpretation of results.
3. Microbiological selections (1 ECTS)
The module introduces the theoretical and practical principles for the design and analysis of microbiological selection experiments. Theoretical part: planning of a microbiological selection experiment; definition of objectives, selection criteria and experimental conditions; techniques. Practical part: application of selection models and analysis of experimental data using MS Excel.
4. Models of microbial growth (1 ECTS)
The module introduces the main theoretical and practical models for describing microbial growth. Theoretical part: mathematical description of microbial growth; models of exponential, arithmetic and diauxic growth; interpretation of growth parameters. Practical part: exercises in MS Excel for the analysis of exponential and arithmetic growth and interpretation of the corresponding trends.
5. Bioassays (1 ECTS)
The module introduces the theoretical and practical principles of microbiological bioassays and indirect measurements. Theoretical part: introduction to bioassays and indirect measurements; bioassays based on arithmetic growth; bioassays based on inhibition of microbial growth, including disc diffusion test, E-test, MIC assay and MBC assay; genotoxicity tests. Practical part: exercises in MS Excel for the analysis of MIC data.
6. Instrumental laboratory (1 ECTS)
The module is devoted to the practical application of the main basic microbiological techniques. Microscopic observation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms; recognition of the main microbial morphologies; isolation of microorganisms in pure culture; analysis of colony macromorphologies; performance and interpretation of viable plate counts.

Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile

9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure

MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY

Code	A005499
CFU	3
Teacher	Gianluigi Cardinali
Learning activities	Caratterizzante
Area	Discipline biotecnologiche con finalità specifiche:mediche e terapeutiche
Sector	MED/07
Type of study-unit	Obbligatorio (Required)

Canale A

CFU

3

Teacher

Barbara Camilloni

Teachers

• Barbara Camilloni

Hours

• 36 ore - Barbara Camilloni

Language of instruction

Italian

Contents

The course provides theoretical and practical skills in biotechnologies applied to medical microbiology, with particular reference to the analysis of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa/parasites of clinical interest. Lectures will introduce the main biological, diagnostic, and laboratory characteristics of the various microbial and parasitic groups, focusing on methods for identification, quantification, and data interpretation.The practical component will be organized into thematic modules dedicated to the four main areas:Bacteria of medical interestViruses of medical interestFungi of medical interestProtozoa/parasites of medical interest, with a specific focus on malariaThe course will cover laboratory safety, biological sample management, basic laboratory techniques, microscopy, culture methods, molecular analysis, microbial quantification, and the critical interpretation of experimental data.

Reference texts

Students will be provided with the course materials used during lectures and scientific articles for further study of specific topics

Educational objectives

The course aims to provide students with basic knowledge and skills regarding the use of biotechnological methodologies in medical microbiology laboratories.By the end of the course, students should be able to:Know the main biological characteristics of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa/parasites of medical interestUnderstand the primary diagnostic approaches applied to different infectious agentsWork safely in a biological/biomedical laboratoryUnderstand the importance of proper sample management, traceability, and handlingApply basic laboratory procedures, including pipetting, dilutions, plating, microscopic observation, and experimental data analysisInterpret culture, microscopic, antigenic, and molecular results. Calculate basic quantitative parameters, such as CFU/mL, viral load, and parasitemiaDistinguish between the qualitative identification and quantification of a biological agentCritically compare the advantages and limitations of different diagnostic methodsDraft and discuss experimental results clearly and in a scientifically accurate manner

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of general biology, microbiology, cell biology, and molecular biology is required.In particular, it is helpful for students to have preliminary knowledge regarding:
Structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
General characteristics of microorganisms and viruses
Concepts of DNA, RNA, genes, genomes, and molecular amplification
Basic concepts of concentration, dilution, and percentage calculations

Teaching methods

The course includes a combination of lectures, practical laboratory sessions, guided analysis of experimental data, and discussions of simulated cases.
Activities will be structured as follows:
Introductory lectures, dedicated to providing the theoretical framework for the different groups of infectious agents and the main diagnostic and biotechnological methods.
Practical laboratory sessions, aimed at acquiring basic operational skills and applying experimental protocols.
Analysis of specimens, images, and datasets—particularly for the viral, mycological, and parasitological components—whenever the use of clinical samples or biological agents is not appropriate due to safety reasons.
Guided discussion of results, focusing on data quality, experimental controls, potential technical errors, and critical interpretation.

Learning verification modality

Student assessment will be conducted through a final exam (esonero).
The exam will aim to evaluate:
Understanding of the theoretical content covered during the courseKnowledge of the main diagnostic methods applied to bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa/parasitesAbility to interpret experimental data
Ability to perform simple laboratory calculations
Ability to link the obtained data to the method usedUnderstanding of safety principles and good laboratory practices
The exam may include multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculation exercises, and the interpretation of experimental results or simulated cases.

Extended program

1. Introduction to the Biotechnological Laboratory in the Medical Field
Laboratory organization in biological and biomedical settings
Safety regulations and good laboratory practices (GLPs)
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Biological risk and chemical risk
Management of biological waste and contaminated materialsSample traceability
Data quality, reproducibility, and interpretation.
Biological samples of medical interest: blood, urine, swabs, feces, sputum, and respiratory samples
Direct and indirect diagnosis
Culture, microscopic, antigenic, and molecular methods
2. Bacteria of Medical Interest
General characteristics of bacteriaGram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria
Bacterial morphology: cocci, bacilli, spiral-shaped formsSelective, differential, and enriched culture media
Bacterial isolation
Colonial morphology
Gram staining
Bacterial counting
Antibiogram (antimicrobial susceptibility testing) and interpretation of antibiotic sensitivity
Overview of antibiotic resistance
Molecular applications in bacterial diagnosis
Practical Activities
Correct use of micropipettes and sterile materials
Preparation of serial dilutions
Plating on solid media
Observation and description of colonial morphology
Calculation of bacterial load
Analysis of images or Gram staining results
Guided interpretation of an antibiogram
3. Viruses of Medical Interest
General characteristics of viruses
DNA viruses and RNA viruses
Main viruses of medical interest
Concept of viral load and infectious titer: overview of PFU/mL and TCID50
Molecular diagnosis: PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR, and RT-qPCRCycle threshold (Ct) and interpretation of molecular signalsStandard curve and molecular quantification
Positive, negative, and internal controls
Limitations of molecular diagnostics and the difference between molecular positivity and infectivity
Practical Activities
Preparation or analysis of simulated serial dilutions
Analysis of qPCR/RT-qPCR datasets
Construction of a standard curveInterpretation of Ct values
Calculation of viral load
Discussion of simulated cases for viral diagnosis and monitoring
4. Fungi of Medical Interest
General characteristics of fungi (mycetes)
Yeasts, molds, and dimorphic fungiMain mycoses of medical interest
Biological samples in mycological diagnostics
Fungal culture
Macroscopic and microscopic morphology
Practical Activities
Observation of microscopic specimens, digital images, or educational slides
Identification of yeasts and molds
Description of colonial morphology
5. Protozoa of medical interest
Main examples: Plasmodium species
Biological samples in parasitological diagnostics
Microscopic, antigenic, and molecular diagnosis
Essential life cycle of Plasmodium
Thin blood smear and thick blood film
Giemsa staining
Observable erythrocytic stagesRapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for malaria
PCR/qPCR in malaria diagnosis
Concept of parasitemia
Calculation of the percentage of infected erythrocytes
Calculation of parasites/µL of blood
Practical Activities
Analysis of digital images or fixed slides
Guided identification of parasitic forms
Counting of infected and non-infected erythrocytes
Calculation of the parasitemia percentage

Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile

Health and wellness

Canale B

CFU

3

Teacher

Roberta Spaccapelo

Teachers

• Roberta Spaccapelo

Hours

• 36 ore - Roberta Spaccapelo

Language of instruction

Italian

Contents

The course provides theoretical and practical skills in the field of biotechnology applied to medical microbiology, with particular reference to the analysis of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa/parasites of clinical interest. Lectures will introduce the main biological, diagnostic, and laboratory characteristics of the different microbial and parasitic groups, with a focus on methods for identification, quantification, and interpretation of results.

The practical component will be organized into thematic modules dedicated to the four main areas:

• bacteria of medical interest;
• viruses of medical interest;
• fungi of medical interest;
• protozoa/parasites of medical interest, with particular reference to malaria.

Topics will include laboratory safety, biological sample handling, basic laboratory techniques, microscopy, culture, molecular analysis, microbial quantification, and the critical interpretation of experimental data.

Reference texts

Students will be provided with the teaching materials used during the lectures, as well as scientific articles for further study of selected topics.

Educational objectives

The course aims to provide students with basic knowledge and skills related to the use of biotechnological methodologies in the microbiology laboratory in the medical field.

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

• know the main biological characteristics of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa/parasites of medical interest;
• understand the main diagnostic approaches applied to different infectious agents;
• work safely in a biological/biomedical laboratory;
• understand the importance of proper sample management, traceability, and handling;
• apply basic laboratory procedures, including pipetting, dilutions, plating/inoculation, microscopic observation, and analysis of experimental data;
• interpret culture-based, microscopic, antigenic, and molecular results;
• calculate basic quantitative parameters, such as CFU/mL, viral load, and parasitaemia;
• distinguish between qualitative identification and quantification of a biological agent;
• critically compare the advantages and limitations of different diagnostic methods;
• write and discuss an experimental result clearly and in a scientifically appropriate manner.

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of general biology, microbiology, cell biology, and molecular biology is required.

In particular, students should preferably have preliminary knowledge of:

• structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells;
• general characteristics of microorganisms and viruses;
• concepts of DNA, RNA, gene, genome, and molecular amplification;
• basic concepts of concentration, dilution, and percentage calculation.

Teaching methods

The course includes a combination of lectures, practical exercises, guided analysis of experimental data, and discussion of simulated cases.

The activities will be organized as follows:

Introductory lectures, focused on the theoretical framework of the different groups of infectious agents and the main diagnostic and biotechnological methods.
Practical laboratory exercises, aimed at acquiring basic operational skills and applying experimental protocols.
Analysis of specimens, images, and datasets, particularly for the viral, mycological, and parasitological components, when the use of clinical samples or biological agents is not appropriate for safety reasons.
Guided discussion of results, with attention to data quality, experimental controls, possible technical errors, and critical interpretation.

Learning verification modality

Assessment of learning will be carried out through a final exemption test.

The exemption test will be aimed at assessing:

• understanding of the theoretical contents covered during the course;
• knowledge of the main diagnostic methods applied to bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa/parasites;
• ability to interpret experimental data;
• ability to perform simple laboratory calculations;
• ability to relate the obtained result to the method used;
• understanding of safety principles and good laboratory practice.

The exemption test may include multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculation exercises, and interpretation of experimental results or simulated cases.

Extended program

Introduction to the biotechnological laboratory in the medical field
• Organization of the biological and biomedical laboratory.
• Safety regulations and good laboratory practices.
• Personal protective equipment.
• Biological and chemical risks.
• Management of biological waste and contaminated materials.
• Sample traceability.
• Quality, reproducibility, and interpretation of data.
• Biological samples of medical interest: blood, urine, swabs, faeces, sputum, and respiratory samples.
• Direct and indirect diagnosis.
• Culture-based, microscopic, antigenic, and molecular methods.
Bacteria of medical interest

Lectures
• General characteristics of bacteria.
• Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
• Bacterial morphology: cocci, bacilli, spiral-shaped forms.
• Selective, differential, and enriched culture media.
• Bacterial isolation.
• Colony morphology.
• Gram staining.
• Bacterial count.
• Antibiotic susceptibility testing and interpretation of antibiotic sensitivity.
• Introduction to antibiotic resistance.
• Molecular applications in bacterial diagnosis.

Practical activities
• Correct use of micropipettes and sterile materials.
• Preparation of serial dilutions.
• Inoculation/plating on solid medium.
• Observation and description of colony morphology.
• Calculation of bacterial load.
• Analysis of images or results of Gram staining.
• Guided interpretation of an antibiotic susceptibility test.

Viruses of medical interest

Lectures
• General characteristics of viruses.
• DNA viruses and RNA viruses.
• Main viruses of medical interest.
• Concept of viral load; infectious titre: introduction to PFU/mL and TCID50.
• Molecular diagnosis: PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR, and RT-qPCR.
• Ct values and interpretation of the molecular signal.
• Standard curve and molecular quantification.
• Positive, negative, and internal controls.
• Limitations of molecular diagnostics and difference between molecular positivity and infectivity.

Practical activities
• Preparation or analysis of simulated serial dilutions.
• Analysis of qPCR/RT-qPCR datasets.
• Construction of a standard curve.
• Interpretation of Ct values.
• Calculation of viral load.
• Discussion of simulated cases of viral diagnosis and monitoring.

Fungi of medical interest

Lectures
• General characteristics of fungi.
• Yeasts, moulds, and dimorphic fungi.
• Main mycoses of medical interest.
• Biological samples in mycological diagnosis.
• Fungal culture.
• Macroscopic and microscopic morphology.

Practical activities
• Observation of microscopic preparations, digital images, or teaching slides.
• Recognition of yeasts and moulds.
• Description of colony morphology.

Protozoa and parasites of medical interest, with a focus on malaria

Lectures
• Protozoa of medical interest.
• Main examples: Plasmodium.
• Biological samples in parasitological diagnosis.
• Microscopic, antigenic, and molecular diagnosis.
• Essential life cycle of Plasmodium.
• Thin blood smear and thick blood film.
• Giemsa staining.
• Observable erythrocytic forms.
• Rapid antigen tests for malaria.
• PCR/qPCR in malaria diagnosis.
• Concept of parasitaemia.
• Calculation of the percentage of infected erythrocytes.
• Calculation of parasites/µL of blood.

Practical activities
• Analysis of digital images or fixed slides.
• Guided recognition of parasitic forms.
• Counting of infected and non-infected erythrocytes.
• Calculation of the percentage of parasitaemia.

Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile

Health and well-being