Learning objectives

The aim of the course is to deepen the student's knowledge about specialized topics of Microbiology, Hematology and Genetics and to provide the ability to use this knowledge in the workplace.

Prerequisites

Passing exams of previous years in the number established for the bachelor course in TLB is needed to access this course.

Course unit content

Traditional and advanced molecular techniques for identification of viral agents causing diseases in humans.
Genotyping and determination of drug resistance of hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus.
The mass spectrometry for the identification of bacteria and mycetes.
The haematopoietic stem cell: mobilization and therapeutic indications.
Methodologies of analysis of unknown mutations.

Full programme

"Identification of viral agents using traditional and advanced molecular techniques."
In vitro cultivation of viruses: diploid cell cultures and cell lines, preparation of cellular substrates. Virus-induced cytopathic effect: definition, causes, examples, virus identification.
Immunofluorescence reaction: direct and indirect immunofluorescence, research and identification of viral proteins.
Transmission electron microscopy: general principles, grids preparation, negative staining, virus observation.
Principles and technical aspects of: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Nested PCR, Real-Time PCR.

“Genotyping and determination of drug resistance of hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus.”
Explanation and illustration of principles and methodologies of:
- Diagnostic assays for the determination of the genotype of the virus of hepatitis C;
- Diagnostic assays for the determination of the genotype of the virus of hepatitis B;
- Diagnostic assays for the determination of drug-resistance of the hepatitis B virus;
- Diagnostic assays for the determination of drug resistance of human immunodeficiency virus.

“The mass spectrometry for the identification of bacteria and mycetes.”
Illustration of the principles of mass spectrometry. Illustration of the mass spectrometer. Example of the preparation of biological samples for the laboratory diagnosis of bacterial and fungal infections by mass spectrometry. Representative examples of mass spectra.

“The haematopoietic stem cell: mobilization and therapeutic indications.”
New laboratory methods for the:
- mobilization
- harvesting
- cryoconservation
- haematopoietic stem cells infusion used in allogenic and autologous transplantation.

“Methodologies of analysis of unknown mutations.”
The “High Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis”: experimental plannig progettazione and PCR reactions adaptation.
HRM result analysis.
Direct genetic sequencing.
Sequence alalysis.
The use of the sofwares on-line for the evaluation of genetic variants pathogenicity.

Bibliography

It is a theoretical-practical course, with lessons carried out mainly in laboratory. Supplementary didactic materials will be provided by the course teachers.

Teaching methods

The topics of the course will be presented and discussed through theoretical and practical lessons.

Assessment methods and criteria

The outcomes of learning will be verified through a written examination. By questions regarding the topics of the course it will be determined whether the student has achieved the goal of knowledge and capability to apply it in the workplace.

Other information

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