Entry requirements

Required previous knowledge is decided by the Committee for Undergraduate Medical Education.

Aims

The course in Microbiology and Infectious Diseases prepares the student for subsequent studies in clinical disciplines by providing knowledge about aetiological agents, their transmission and multiplication, the biological defence mechanisms against these agents, and diagnostic methods.

This part of the syllabus in Immunology and Microbiology emphasises knowledge that will be applicable in later clinical studies. The teaching in Infectious Diseases illustrates the application of knowledge in immunology and microbiology in the diagnosis and treatment of infections. Another purpose of this part of the course is to prepare for studies in Internal Medicine and other clinical disciplines, in which infections are dealt with.

Content

Immunology: Blood group serology, transfusion medicine, blood components, apheresis. Autoimmunity. Complement. Immunodeficiency disorders. Allergy. Transplantation. Immunotherapy. Gene therapy.

Virology: Multiplication and transmission of viruses. Viruses causing local and generalised respiratory infections. Viruses causing local and generalised alimentary infections. Hepatitis viruses. HIV. Viruses causing CNS infections.

Bacteriology: Bacterial respiratory pathogens and upper respiratory infections. Bacteria causing gastric ulcer and gastro-enteritis. Bacteria causing CNS infections, sepsis and generalised infections. Diagnostic methods, antibiotics and determination of antibiotic resistance. Bacteria causing urinary infections, gynaecological infections and sexually transmitted diseases. Aseptic technique and nosocomial infections. Epidemiology and prevention of bacterial infections.

Infectious Diseases: Defense mechanisms in infections diseases. Sepsis/septic shock. Respiratory infections. Intestinal infections. Abdominal infections. Wound infections/skeletal infections. CNS infections. Clinical sampling techniques. Throatinfection. Exanthema. Lymphadenopathy.

Instruction

Teaching is given by lectures, group exercises, seminars, laboratory work and demonstrations of patients.

Assessment

To pass the course it is required to have satisfactorily performed the laboratory work, participated in the group exercises, seminars, and demonstrations of patients, and passed the final examination.