Microbiology and Parasitology

Objectives

It is intended that, at the end of this course, students recognize the importance of knowledge on the characteristics of the bacterial cells and eukaryotic parasite biology in understanding the pathogenic processes developed in humans; identify, describe and analyze virulence factors produced by these organisms, relating them to the ability for colonizing the host.

Program

A- Microbiology:

- Structure of the prokaryotic cell.

- Relationship bacteria - host

Importance of the study of pathogenic mechanisms.

Concepts and definitions used in the study of pathogenic bacteria.

- Bacterial virulence factors.

How to define.

Factors involved in adhesion to host cells: a) structures that mediate adhesion; b) biofilm formation and relationship with Quorum-sensing mechanisms.

Factors involved in invasion of host tissues and cells: a) invasins; b) mechanisms of bacterial secretion involved in the release of molecules mediating invasion.

Factors involved in circumvention of host defenses.

- Identifying virulence factors strategies.

B- Parasitology

- General Concepts and Definitions in Parasitology.

- The main taxonomic groups of human parasites.

- Aspects of biology, life cycle and parasitism processes of the main human parasites.

Teaching Methodologies

In the classes, concepts and knowledge included in the content are presented, using a methodology of interactive exhibition and stimulating discussion of the issues presented. The materials used for the presentation are available for students through the Moodle platform. Examples of pathogenic micro-organisms are discussed, based on scientific articles that will be provided to students. On each of the presented topics, material and bibliography is indicated, allowing students to consolidate and deepen the related themes.

Bibliography

Salyers, A. A. e Whitt, D. D., 2002, Bacterial Pathogenesis: a molecular approach, 2ª ed. ASM Press.

Willey J.M., Sherwood L.M. & Woolverton C.J., 2014, Prescott's Microbiology, 9ª ed., Wm. C. Brown Publishers.

Wanda F. Canas Ferreira, João Carlos F. de Sousa e Nelson Lima ed. 2010. Microbiologia, Lidel, edições técnicas.

Rey, Luís. 2001. Parasitologia, 3ª ed. Ed. Guanabara.

Artigos científicos publicados em revistas internacionais.