1. Introduction to microbiology: from the first microscopic observations to molecular microbiology
2.Differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Criteria for the classification of microorganisms
3.Bacteria structure. The bacterial cell.
Wall of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
External wall membrane of Gram-negative bacteria: structure and toxic effects of lipopolysaccharide.
Cytoplasmic membrane: composition, transport mechanisms, osmotic regulation
Fimbriae and pili as adhesion structures and their antigenicity
Flagella and bacterial movement; concept of chemoreceptor and chemotaxis.
Organization of the bacterial chromosome
Bacterial spore: structure, resistance to physical and chemical agents, regulation of sporulation and germination, biological and medical significance.
4. Structure and reproduction of fungi. Classification of the main pathogenic fungi. Differences between fungi and bacteria
5. Structure of viruses and classification principles
Structure of animal viruses.
Size and morphology of viral particles; organization of RNA and DNA viral genomes
Capside and envelope structure; virion enzymes; other components.
Host tropism, organ and tissue tropism
6. parasite host interaction. Cellular infection with animal viruses: receptor binding, penetration, decapsidation, expression of the viral genome.
DNA and RNA virus replication.
Assembly, maturation and release of viral particles
Cytopathic effect: morphological aspects and molecular mechanisms.
Mutations, genetic recombination and gene reassortment as the cause of viral variability.
7. Sterilization and disinfection: Biological bases of the action of physical and chemical agents. Anti-infective drugs (antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral). Biological bases of selectivity and main mechanisms of action.
Criteria for the choice of drugs and for the use of associations
Vaccines.
8. The oral resident microbial population: bacterial species present, interaction between microbial communities of the oral cavity in the state of health and disease
9. Acquisition, adhesion, distribution and metabolism of the oral resident microbial population
10. Microbiological aspects of dental plaque
11. Microbiological aspects of dental caries
12. Periodontal diseases: microbiological aspects
13. Oral viral infections: herpes viruses
14. Oral fungal infections
15. Infections of the oral cavity and systemic diseases
16. Antimicrobial therapy and prophylaxis of oral infections