Molecular Biology and Epidemiology of Gram-Positive Pathogenic Bacteria
Code
21217
Academic unit
NOVA Medical School | Faculdade de Ciências Médicas
Department
Genetics
Credits
6
Teacher in charge
Doutora Raquel Sá Leão
Teaching language
Portuguese
Objectives
(i) Understanding of the basic concepts of molecular epidemiology, molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance namely to betalactams and glycopeptides.
(ii) Acquisition of tools for the students to be able to apply the most modern methods of molecular typing to gram-positive pathogens and identification of antibiotic resistance genes.
Prerequisites
n/a
Subject matter
1 Molecular typing of Staphylococcus aureus; evolution during the two last decades.
2 Molecular epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus.
3 Molecular epidemiology of coagulase negative staphylococci.
4 Cell wall synthetic machinery in Staphylococcus aureus.
5 Mechanisms of betalactam resistance in Staphylococcus aureus.
6 Regulation of betalactam resistance in staphylococci.
7 Mechanisms of glycopeptide resistance in Staphylococcus aureus.
8 Molecular epidemiology of Streptococcus pneumoniae in the pneumococcal conjugate vaccination era.
9 Molecular epidemiology, antibiotic resistance and virulence in Streptococcus Pyogenes.
10 Enterococcus: from a commensal to a pathogen.
Bibliography
Barroso H, Meliço-Silvestre, A, Taveira N. 2014. Microbiologia Médica. Volume 1. 1st Edition. LIDEL, Lisbon, Portugal.
Teaching method
The theoretical and practical classes directed for the resolution of problems and using the state-of-the-art molecular typing methodologies and modern methods for the detection of antibiotic resistance genes will enable the acquisition of knowledge in a global, integrated and applied manner. This will foster the simultaneous comprehension of theoretical basis of molecular epidemiology of antibiotic resistant bacteria and will provide the necessary tools for the laboratory work in this field of knowledge.
Evaluation method
Lectures and practicals. Resolution of problems. Tutorial orientation. The exam is composed of 50 questions (multiple choice) and will last for 2 hours. The final grade will also take into consideration the student attitude and interest demonstrated during theoretical and practical classes.