BACTERIOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS AND ANTIBIOTIC SENSITIVITY
Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: DAFNE SAMANTHA IRENE BONGIORNOExpected Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, students will have acquired knowledge of the main human pathogenic microorganisms of clinical relevance and of the principles of bacteriological diagnostics. They will understand the main steps of the microbiological diagnostic process, from the collection and management of biological samples to microscopic and culture-based examination, and to the phenotypic and molecular identification of microorganisms. Students will also acquire knowledge of the principles and main methods used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing and of the interpretative criteria for antimicrobial susceptibility test results.
Applying knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, students will be able to apply the acquired knowledge to the main steps of bacteriological diagnostics, identifying the most appropriate methodological approach according to the biological sample and the microorganism being investigated. They will also be able to understand and interpret the results of the main bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility tests and to contextualize them within simple diagnostic cases.
Course Structure
The course includes lectures, practical laboratory activities and individual in-depth study activities.
Lectures are aimed at providing the theoretical knowledge required to understand the principles of bacteriological diagnostics, the main methods for microorganism identification, molecular diagnostics, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and the major mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance.
A substantial part of the teaching activities is carried out in the laboratory with the support of a tutor in the field, allowing students to become familiar with the main steps of the bacteriological diagnostic workflow and with the methods addressed during theoretical lectures. Practical activities are intended to promote the application of acquired knowledge and the critical understanding of laboratory results.
During the course, each student is also assigned a specific microorganism for individual in-depth study. Students prepare a PowerPoint presentation, which is subsequently presented and discussed. This activity is aimed at developing the ability to search for and select relevant scientific information, independent learning skills and scientific communication skills.
The different teaching methods therefore contribute in an integrated manner to the achievement of the expected learning outcomes, combining the acquisition of theoretical knowledge with its application in laboratory and diagnostic settings.
If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be made to the above in order to ensure consistency with the syllabus.
Required Prerequisites
Curricular prerequisites
No specific curricular prerequisites are required, except for any formal prerequisites established by the Degree Programme Regulations.
Cultural prerequisites
Basic knowledge of general microbiology is important, particularly regarding microbial structure, physiology, growth and genetics, together with basic knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology. This background is necessary to understand the principles and methodologies of bacteriological diagnostics and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
Attendance of Lessons
Due to the theoretical and practical nature of the course and the inclusion of laboratory activities, participation in teaching activities is required to achieve the expected learning outcomes.
The number of students admitted to laboratory activities may be limited according to the availability of laboratory space and equipment, as well as organizational and safety requirements.
Detailed Course Content
Principles of bacteriological diagnostics
Introduction to microbiological diagnostics and to the bacteriological diagnostic workflow. Direct diagnosis. Pre-analytical phase: collection, storage, transport and management of biological specimens.
Microscopic and culture-based examination
Direct microscopic examination and main staining techniques. Principles of culture-based examination. Isolation of microorganisms and evaluation of macroscopic characteristics of microbial cultures. Diagnostic approach to the main clinical specimens: blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, stool, respiratory specimens and swabs.
Identification of microorganisms
Principles and methods of bacterial identification. Evaluation of physiological and metabolic characteristics. Biochemical methods and identification systems. Principles of immunological diagnostics. Overview of automated systems and rapid identification methods.
Molecular diagnostics
Principles of genotype-based identification of microorganisms. Nucleic acid extraction and purification. Principles and applications of PCR in bacteriological diagnostics. Identification based on 16S rRNA gene analysis. Principles of electrophoretic techniques applied to the analysis of nucleic acids and PCR amplification products.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST)
Principles of antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC). Diffusion, dilution and gradient diffusion methods. Principles and procedures of antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Interpretation of antimicrobial susceptibility test results according to EUCAST criteria; overview of CLSI criteria.
Antimicrobial resistance
Main mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and their relevance to microbiological diagnostics. Phenotypic and molecular methods for the detection of major resistance mechanisms. PCR-based detection of genetic determinants associated with antimicrobial resistance.
Applications to bacteriological diagnostics
Main bacterial pathogens of clinical relevance. Integration of the different steps of the diagnostic workflow through examples and simple case studies: urine culture, diagnosis of respiratory and pharyngeal infections, blood culture and diagnosis of central nervous system infections.
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Principles of bacteriological diagnostics – Microbiological diagnostic workflow; pre-analytical phase; collection, storage, transport and management of biological specimens. | Textbooks 1–2; teaching materials provided by the lecturer |
| 2 | Microscopic and culture-based examination – Direct microscopic examination, staining techniques, isolation and culture. Diagnostic approach to the main clinical specimens. | Textbooks 1–2; protocols and teaching materials |
| 3 | Bacterial identification – Phenotypic, physiological and metabolic characteristics; biochemical methods; identification systems; principles of immunological diagnostics and rapid identification methods. | Textbooks 1–2; teaching materials |
| 4 | Molecular diagnostics – Nucleic acid extraction, PCR, 16S rRNA gene analysis and principles of electrophoretic techniques. | Textbooks 1–2; protocols and teaching materials |
| 5 | Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) – MIC, MBC, diffusion, dilution and gradient diffusion methods; performance and interpretation of antimicrobial susceptibility tests. | Textbooks 1–2; teaching materials; EUCAST documents |
| 6 | Antimicrobial resistance – Major mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance; phenotypic and molecular detection methods; PCR-based detection of genetic resistance determinants. | Textbooks 1–2; EUCAST; teaching materials and scientific articles |
| 7 | Applications to bacteriological diagnostics – Main bacterial pathogens and application of the diagnostic workflow to urine, blood, respiratory specimens, swabs and cerebrospinal fluid. | Textbooks 1–2; teaching materials and protocols |
| 8 | Practical laboratory activities – Application of the main methods of bacteriological diagnostics and antimicrobial susceptibility testing addressed during the course. | Laboratory protocols and materials provided by the lecturer |
| 9 | Individual in-depth study – Study of an assigned microorganism and preparation of the related presentation. | Reference textbooks; scientific articles and selected bibliographic material |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
Learning outcomes will be assessed through an oral examination aimed at verifying the achievement of the expected learning outcomes of the course.
During the oral examination, students’ knowledge and understanding of the principles of bacteriological diagnostics, the main methods for microorganism identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing will be assessed. Students’ ability to apply the acquired knowledge to the interpretation of the main steps of the microbiological diagnostic workflow and to simple case studies will also be evaluated.
The final assessment will take into account the accuracy and completeness of knowledge, the relevance of the answers, the ability to establish connections among the different topics of the course, the ability to apply acquired knowledge to problems in bacteriological diagnostics and antimicrobial susceptibility test interpretation, as well as the appropriate use of scientific and technical terminology.
The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale. A minimum grade of 18/30 is required to pass the examination. Honours may be awarded to students demonstrating particularly thorough knowledge, an excellent ability to integrate and apply the course contents, and full command of scientific terminology.
Learning assessment may also be carried out online, should the conditions require it.
To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students may also contact the CInAP referring teacher within their Department.