Virology

Recommended Prerequisites

Knowledge in biology, molecular biology, microbiology and immunology is recommended to successfully achieve the objectives proposed in this course.

Teaching Methods

The Virology curriculum unit teaching will be based on non mandatory theoretical classes and mandatory laboratory classes

The lectures are based on the classical model of imparting knowledge, supported with illustrative presentations of the subjects covered, using available audiovisual equipment. Some practical classes will be demonstrative classes conducted in laboratorial context, with realization of several techniques used in diagnosis of viral infections.

Learning Outcomes

The unit of  Virology aims to provide students with knowledge about:

- The general characteristics of the main viruses responsible for human infections;

- The principal clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods and treatment used in human viral infections.

By this manner, it is expected that at the final of this curricular unit, the knowledge gained will enable students to:

- Identify and characterize the principal human viruses;

- Understand the pathogenesis and clinical features of viral infections;

- Identify the advisable laboratorial methods for the diagnostic of different human viral infections, as well as interpret the obtained results.

The acquisition of this knowledge will be fundamental to the future performance of pharmacist as a health professional.  

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Viral structure
Taxonomy of viruses
Viral replication
Pathogenesis of viral infections
Antiviral therapy
Herpesviridae family: HSV, VZV, HCMV, EBV, HHV-6, HHV-7, HHV-8
Retroviridae family: HIV-1, HIV-2, HTLV-I and HTLV-II
Papillomaviridae family: human papillomaviruses
Viral hepatitis: the hepatitis A virus, hepatitis E virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis D virus, hepatitis C virus, and viruses G and TT
Family Parvoviridae: B19
Viruses associated with respiratory tract infections: influenza virus (A, B, C), rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, and respiratory adenoviruses
Viruses associated with acute gastroenteritis: rotaviruses, caliciviruses, astroviruses, and “enteric” adenoviruses

Laboratory diagnosis of viral infections
Detection of the viral particle
Detection of viral components: viral antigens and viral genome
Detection of viral antibodies
Diagnosis of infections by human herpesvirus, human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis viruses

Head Lecturer(s)

Paula Cristina Santos Luxo Maia

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

Microbiologia Médica volume 2
Helena Barroso, António Meliço-Silvestre, Nuno Taveira (2014) Lidel.
Medical Microbiology
Murray P.R., Rosenthal, K.S., Kobayashi, G.S., Pfaller, M.A. (2013) Ed. Michael Brown, Mosby Inc
Human Virology
Collier, L. and Oxford J. (Ed.) (2011) Oxford University press
Basic Virology
Wagner E. K. and Hewlett, M. J. (Ed.) (2004) Blackwell Publishing
Clinical Virology
Richman D. D., Whitley R. J. and Mayden F. G. (Ed.) (2002) ASM press, Washington, D.C.
Essentials of Diagnostic Virology
Storch G. A. (Ed.) (2000) Churchil Livingstone, New York.