Veterinary Bacteriology, Virology and Immunology

Lectures:
- Introduction to the microbiology and brief history of microbiology (0.5 h)
- The prokaryotic cell-morphology and anatomy (1.5 h)
- Replication and metabolism of bacteria-reproduction and growth in liquid and solid media (1.5 h)
- Bacteria genetic-genetic material and genic recombination (1 h)
- Bacteria as pathogens, virulence factors (1.5 h)
- Bacterial classification (1.5 h)
- Observation and study of microorganisms (staining and microscopy) (0.5 h)
- Bacterial diagnosis (sampling, bacterioscopic axamination, grow culture, biochemical assays, Kirby-Bauer test, molecular diagnosis) (1.5 h)
- Virus structure and characteristics (1 h)
- Virus-host interaction (2 h)
- Viral genetic (0.5 h)
- Viral diagnosis (1 h)
- Classification of virus and prions (1 h)
- Microbial control systems (physical and chemical agents) and Chemotherapy (1 h)

Practicals:
- Sampling and sample transportation (2 h)
- Bacteriological diagnosis: Media preparation and storage and coltural techniques (2 h)
- Bacteriological diagnosis: staining and bacterial identification (2 h)
- Bacteriological diagnosis: serology, Kirby-Bauer test and result interpretation (2 h)
- Molecular diagnosis: PCR end point and qPCR (2 h)
- Bacteriological diagnosis: plate preparation, bacteria sample colture (2 h in lab)
- Bacteriological diagnosis: analysis of the bacterial growth, biochemical galleries, Kirby-Bauer test and result interpretation (2 h in lab)
- Molecular diagnosis: PCR end point and qPCR (2 h in lab)

Lectures:
Introduction to the course, presentation of the lecturer, illustration of how the exam is conducted (1 hour)
Antigens and immunogens:, characteristics, features, practical examples (2 hours)
Non-specific immune defenses: cells and molecules, PAMP and DAMP recognition by TLR, practical examples (2 hours)
Specific immune defenses: primary and secondary lymphoid organs, B and T lymphocytes (features, markers, BCR and TCR receptors, functions), memory cells (2 hours); humoral immunity and antibodies (structure, classes, production, mechanisms of action) (2 hours); cell-mediated immunity and cytotoxicity (MHC, cytokines and cellular interactions, different T lymphocytes at work) (2 hours); local immunity to the surfaces (MALT, immunoexclusion and immunoelimination, immunity of gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, genito-urinary tract, skin, mammary gland, eye) (2 hours)
Immune defenses in veterinary practice: naturally and artificially acquired passive immunity, neonatal immunology, immunology in the elderly, immunity and stress, how pathogens escape immune defences (3 hours)
Hints of immunopathology: type I, II, III and IV hypersensitivity, autoimmune diseases (it depends on available time)

Practicals:
Approach to vaccine practice: classification and types of vaccines, vaccine registration, response to vaccination, herd immunity, factors influencing vaccine practice (seminar in the classroom to the whole studentship) (2 hours)
Immunodiagnostics: safety and biosafety in lab - what is immunodiagnostics and what is it for, antibody titer, acute and convalescent serum specimens, main immunodiagnostics techniques (precipitation, agglutination, techniques with marked reagents), practical examples (seminar in the classroom to the whole studentship) (8 hours)

Dilutions (theory and practice) (max 30 students per group in the laboratory) (2 hours)
ELISA technique (max 30 students per group in the laboratory) (2 hours)
Introduction to the in-clinics tests for a first diagnostic suspicion directly at the veterinary clinic (max 30 students per group in the laboratory) (2 hours)