Intro To Basic Microbiology

Description:

This course provides a foundational understanding of microbiology, focusing on the classification, structure, and clinical significance of microorganisms. Participants will explore the diversity of microbial life, including bacteria, spirochetes, mycobacteria, and parasites, emphasizing their roles in human health and disease. Practical approaches to laboratory diagnosis, prevention, and treatment are integrated throughout the course, enabling learners to apply microbiological principles effectively in clinical and research settings.

Eligible Audience:

• Undergraduate & Graduate students in health sciences or Life Science.
• Medical professionals seeking a refresher in microbiology.
• Research assistants and technicians in microbiology or clinical labs.
• Public health workers focusing on infectious diseases.

Content:

Module 1: Introduction to Microbiology

• Overview of microorganisms and microbial classification.
• Bacterial structure and methods of laboratory diagnosis.
• Clinical significance and virulence of microorganisms.

Module 2: Gram-Positive Cocci

• Classification of saprophytic and pathogenic gram-positive cocci.
• Virulence factors, clinical diseases, and lab diagnosis.
• Prevention and treatment strategies.

Module 3: Gram-Negative Bacilli

• Pathogenic gram-negative bacilli classification.
• Phenotypic methods for identification.
• Virulence, clinical presentation, and management.

Module 4: Gram-Positive Bacilli and Gram-Negative Cocci

• Comparative study of gram-positive bacilli and gram-negative cocci.
• Disease mechanisms, laboratory diagnosis, and clinical management.

Module 5: Anaerobic Organisms

• Definition and medical importance of anaerobes.
• Pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and diagnostic techniques.

Module 6: Spirochetes

• Overview of human-pathogenic spirochetes.
• Disease pathogenesis and clinical differentiation.
• Diagnostic approaches and treatment.

Module 7: Obligate Intracellular Bacteria

• Characteristics and life cycles of obligate intracellular bacteria.
• Pathogenesis and clinical syndromes.
• Laboratory diagnosis and preventive measures.

Module 8: Acid-Fast Bacilli

• Definition and characteristics of acid-fast organisms.
• Mycobacteria and partially acid-fast actinomycetes: immunity, growth, habitat, and lab identification.

Module 9: Mycoplasma

• Classification and characteristics of pathogenic mycoplasma.
• Clinical syndromes, epidemiology, and laboratory diagnosis.

Module 10: Parasites, Protozoans, and Helminths

• General introduction to medically significant parasites.
• Life cycles, diagnosis, and prevention of protozoans and helminths.

Course Outcomes:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Classify and describe microorganisms of medical importance.
2. Analyze the structural and functional characteristics of bacteria, parasites, and other microbes.
3. Apply diagnostic techniques to identify clinically significant microorganisms.
4. Correlate microbial characteristics with disease mechanisms and clinical presentations.
5. Formulate strategies for the prevention and treatment of microbial diseases.
6. Build a strong foundation for advanced studies or careers in microbiology, public health, or biomedical research.

Instructor:

Dr. Shaimaa Mohamed:

• Lecturer of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University
• PhD in Clinical Pathology
• Master’s Degree in Clinical Pathology
• Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine and Surgery, Ain Shams University