Objectives and competences

This course aims to highlight the potential of microbiology in health, assessing the microorganisms as pathogens and beneficial, including addressing mechanisms of action and resistance to the main agents. In the end it is intended that students: i) know the basics of health-related microbiology; ii) to relate the infection ability of a given microorganism with the virulence and host state and defenses, iii) know the main antimicrobial agents and relate their mechanism of action with potential targets, predicting the possible resistances and interactions iv) know the main sites of the human body exposed to infection and to correlate the characteristics of the main pathogenic agents and the physiology of the site with the likelihood of infection, establishing its diagnosis; v) know the potential of beneficial microorganisms in particular as probiotics.

Teaching Methodologies

The different topics of the program are covered in a weekly lecture during 1 h (presentations with illustrations, examples and issues related to the subject), a bi-weekly tutorial session of 1 h (which explores and discusses a topic by preparing a final presentation and discussion) and a weekly practical class with a duration of 2 h (with work where they apply and consolidate the knowledge acquired).

Syllabus

Lectures:
(i) host-parasite interaction / normal microbiota, (ii) the process of infection: host defences against the microorganism, (iii) penetration, elimination and transmission of the microorganism, (iv) nosocomial infections, (v) antimicrobials agents - antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agents, (vi) probiotic microorganisms: morphological, physiological and beneficial properties and main applications.

Tutorials:
Characteristics of infection by location: (i) infection of the genital tract, (ii). infection of the urinary tract, (iii) infection of the gastrointestinal tract, (iv) infection of the central nervous system, (v) infection of the upper and lower respiratory
Practical classes: (i) analysis of normal microbiota, (ii) study of virulence factors, (iii) evaluation of antimicrobial resistance, (iv) analysis of urine and vaginal exudate (v) counting and identification of probiotic microorganisms and evaluation of their survival throughout the gastrointestinal tract