Ateneo - UPO

The course provides an in-depth analysis of microbiology applied to dermatology and venereology, with particular attention to pathogenic microorganisms, diagnostic methods and therapeutic and preventive strategies.

Material provided by the teacher (ppt, links to official sites; updated documents; international scientific publications)

Provide in-depth knowledge on the microorganisms involved in dermatological and venereal pathologies, as well as on related diagnostic, prevention and therapeutic methodologies
Understanding General Microbiology

Structure, physiology and genetics of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites relevant to dermatology and venereology.
Mechanisms of pathogenicity and host-pathogen interaction.

Techniques for isolation, culture and microbiological identification of cutaneous and sexually transmitted pathogens.

Serological, molecular and advanced biology tests for the diagnosis of dermatological and venereal infections.
Antibiograms and microbial resistance.
Infectious Skin and Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Clinical classification of bacterial infections (e.g. impetigo, erysipelas, syphilis).
Diagnosis and management of viral infections (herpes simplex, HPV, molluscum contagiosum).
Cutaneous and subcutaneous mycoses (dermatophytosis, candidiasis, sporotrichosis).
Skin parasites (scabies, pediculosis).
Therapeutic Approaches

Systemic and topical antimicrobial therapies in dermatology and venereology.
Rational use of antibiotics and management of resistance.
Vaccination strategies to prevent skin and venereal infections.
Prevention and Public Health

Regulations and surveillance strategies for sexually transmitted infections.
Health education and counseling for the prevention of skin and venereal infections.

Fundamental notions of biology, microbiology and immunology.
Knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the skin and mucous membranes.
Basics of dermatology and infectious diseases. Ability to recognize skin manifestations of bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections.
Familiarity with the use of basic diagnostic tools (e.g. culture tests, serological tests, microscopic techniques).

Frontal lessons:
Theoretical presentations with multimedia supports (slides, videos).
Focus on microbiological diagnostics and dermatological and venereal infections.

Interactive Teaching: Analysis of real clinical cases to apply theoretical knowledge.

Quizzes and multiple choice questions to stimulate critical reasoning.

Practical Activities:
Clinical microbiology laboratory: observation of culture tests, serological tests and microscopy techniques.
Practical simulations on skin sampling, interpretation of antibiograms and therapeutic choices.

Support Material and Self-Study
Recommended handouts and scientific articles.
Online resources and microbiological databases.

If necessary, contact the teacher

barbara.azzimonti@uniupo.it

Multiple choice tests and group work

Fundamentals of Clinical Microbiology:
Structure and physiology of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites of dermatological interest.
Mechanisms of pathogenicity and host-pathogen interaction.
Skin microbiota: physiological role and dysbiosis in dermatological diseases.

Microbiological Diagnostics in Dermatology and Venereology:
Methods of collection and transport of skin and mucosal samples.
Culture tests and microbiological identification (bacteria, fungi, parasites).
Molecular diagnostics (PCR, rapid tests, serology).
Antibiograms and antimicrobial susceptibility tests.

Skin and Sexually Transmitted Infections:
Bacterial infections: impetigo, erysipelas, cellulitis, syphilis.
Viral infections: herpes simplex, HPV, molluscum contagiosum.
Skin mycoses: dermatophytosis, candidiasis.
Skin parasitoses: scabies, pediculosis, leishmaniasis.

Therapies and Prevention Strategies

Management of microbial resistance.

Prevention strategies for skin and sexually transmitted infections.

Knowledge and Understanding
🔹 Describe the structure, physiology and pathogenic role of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites in skin and venereal infections.
🔹 Understanding the dynamics of the skin microbiota and its role in dermatological diseases.
🔹 Know the main microbiological diagnostic methodologies and their clinical application.

Diagnostic and Practical Skills
🔹 Carry out correct collection and management of biological samples for microbiological analysis.
🔹 Interpret the results of microbiological investigations (cultures, serological tests, PCR, antibiograms).
🔹 Recognize the clinical characteristics of dermatological and sexually transmitted infections, formulating differential diagnoses based on microbiological evidence.

Clinical Application Capacity
🔹 Select the most appropriate antimicrobial therapy (antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, antiparasitics) based on etiology, resistance and clinical picture.
🔹 Implement prevention strategies to reduce the spread of skin and sexually transmitted infections.
🔹 Promote the rational use of antimicrobials to limit antibiotic resistance.

Autonomy and Communication
🔹 Collaborate with microbiologists and infectious disease specialists to optimize the diagnostic-therapeutic process.
🔹 Provide adequate health education to patients on the prevention and treatment of dermatological infections.
🔹 Communicate clearly and scientifically based with colleagues and patients regarding the microbiological implications of skin diseases.