Medical Microbiology

Recommended Prerequisites

Cell Biology: Cellular structural elements;

- Biochemistry: Biomembranes; metabolic pathways (anabolism and catabolism); synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins

- The student must have basic knowledge of microscopy.

In addition, the student must have general skills within the English language and information technology, use of basic programs. It should be also able to use electronic resources for bibliographic searching.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical classes (32h) will used to taught the theoric concepts of Medical Microbiology. The TP classes (32h) consolidate the knowledge acquired in the theoretical classes and have the active participation of Dentists and teachers from the Dentistry Department, who shared with the students as the Microbiology fits the daily practice of Dentists. Practical classes (32h) focus on microbiological diagnosis and, during some classes, students will be invited to present orally relevant themes.

Learning Outcomes

The Medical Microbiology deals with the study of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites with clinical interest for man, with particular focus on the most relevant agents in dentistry. It is intended to lead the student through the basic knowledge of microbiology, enabling the recognition of the microbes that are agents of human pathology, their biological characteristics with relevance to its mechanism of pathogenicity. Among the aims of the subject are also the relation host-microbe, the compreention of the associated pathology, the laboratory diagnosis techniques, and prinicples of prevention and prophylaxis. The importance of the human microflora should be recognized by the student who also will be introduced in the concepts of aseptic conditions and sterility, together with the definition of biosafety levels and of utmost importance will be the integration of knowledge acquired in Medical Microbiology for the future practice of dentistry.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Part A

1. Asepsis, desinfection and sterilization: theoretical basis and ability to perform related techniques; 2. Biosafety levels

Part B

1. Biological characteristics (structure, phyisiology and genetics) of bacteria, virus, fungi and parasites; discriminatory characteristics between diferente groups of microbes agentes of human pathology; 2. Human microflora constitution; impact of human microflora in health and disease; 3. The dental plaque and the microflora of the oral cavity

Part C

1. Agents of human disease: mecanisms of pathogenicity, transmission modes , epidemiology, prophyilaxis; 2. Microbe-host interaction; 3. Theoretical and practical aspects of the laboratory diagnosis of human infection both using classic techniques and novel technologies.

Head Lecturer(s)

Teresa Maria Fonseca Oliveira Gonçalves

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Synthesis work: Esterilização – 5%; report – 10%: 15.0%
Test: Test practical – 15%; Test theorical-practical – 10%: 25.0%
Exam: 60.0%

Bibliography

- Liébana Urena, J Microbiologia Oral. 2ª Ed McGraw-Hill Interameriacana

- Murray, P.R. Medical Microbiology, 7th EDITION

- Manual prático de Microbiologia (disponibilizado na intranet)