Microbiological sciences

Module Medical Mycology

Learning Objectives based on the Dublin Descriptors

The Medical Mycology module is structured to enable students to achieve the following learning outcomes, in alignment with European criteria:

D1. Knowledge and understanding

By the end of the course, the student must demonstrate the ability to:

-       Understand the taxonomic classification, morphology, and physiology of the primary human fungal pathogens (yeasts, filamentous fungi, and dimorphic fungi).

-       Comprehend the mechanisms of fungal pathogenicity and the fundamentals of host-parasite interaction.

-       Know the characteristics, activity, and mechanism of action of the main antifungal drugs.

-       Understand the primary methods for the cultivation and identification of fungi, acquiring basic laboratory information for their recognition and the methodology for diagnosing the infections they cause.

D2. Applying knowledge and understanding

The student will be able to:

-       Correctly apply protocols for sampling, transport, and storage of biological specimens for mycological analysis.

-       Prepare fresh microscopic mounts (e.g., using KOH).

-       Perform inoculation on selective and differential culture media (e.g., Sabouraud, Chromagar).

-       Operate both automated and manual systems for the identification of pathogenic fungi

D3. Making judgements

The student must develop the ability to:

-       Evaluate the suitability of biological samples received in the laboratory.

-       Interpret analytical results by distinguishing between environmental contamination, colonization, and actual infection.

-       Independently select the most appropriate methodologies depending on clinical suspicion and specimens’ types.

D4. Communication skills

The student will be able to:

-       Use correct technical terminology within the field of medical mycology.

-       Effectively interact with other healthcare professionals.

-       Clearly communicate analysis results through technical reporting.

D5. Learning skills

The student must:

-       Be able to update their knowledge by consulting national and international guidelines.

-       Demonstrate a critical approach to learning new diagnostic technologies.

Traditional lectures, with the support of slides. Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.

1. General characteristics of fungi and classification;
2. Mechanisms of pathogenicity and classification of mycoses;
3. Primary pathogenic fungi: dermatophytes and dimorfi t.d. and related laboratory diagnosis;
4. Opportunist pathogenic fungi and related laboratory diagnostic:                                                                                                                                                                                     a) Candida, Cryptococcus, Malassezia, Pneumocystis;                                                                                                                                                                                           b) Zygomycetes, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Scedosporium;
5. Subcutaneous mycosis, feoifomycosis and related laboratory diagnostic;
6. Antifungal drugs: mechanism of action, resistance and tests for susceptibility  in vitro.

Bendinelli - Chezzi - Dettori - Manca - Morace - Polonelli – Tufano - Microbiologia Medica - Gli agenti  infettivi dell' uomo: biologia, azione patogena, laboratorio- MONDUZZI EDITORE - Micologia