78 lectures, 13 tutorials and 60 hours of practical work
The aim of the subject is to provide students with a detailed knowledge and understanding of the pharmaceutical aspects of microbiology, immunology, parasitology, general pathology and basic epidemiology.
General objectives
In this teaching program students are expected to develop:
understanding of the structure and classification of microorganisms and parasites of medical importance and the diseases caused by them; the techniques used to propagate and selectively culture microorganisms; the basic principles of microbial genetics, the mechanisms of gene transfer and the essential features of recombinant DNA technology; the structure and function of the immune system and its role in disease processes; the nature and uses of antiseptics, disinfectants and preservatives; sterilisation methods and contamination control; the principles of epidemiology; the nature and uses of anti-microbial agents;
abilities in the areas of handling and culturing microorganisms; conducting certain diagnostic tests; preventing contamination of pharmaceutical products;
an appreciation of the need for care, accuracy and thoroughness in the manufacture of sterile pharmaceutical products; the factors which influence the spread, course and control of diseases caused by microorganisms and parasites.
Syllabus
Introductory microbiology. Historical development: microorganisms as a cause of disease. Occurrence and role of microbes in the biosphere. Principles of classification. Basic morphological and physiological features of the main groups of microorganisms.
Host-parasite relationships. Nature of pathogens, parasites, commensals. Symbiosis. Transmissible disease, virulence, pathogenicity, invasiveness, infectivity, toxins, pyrogens. Barriers to infection: skin and mucosa, body secretions, resident microbial flora. Innate immunity: role of inflammation, complement, reticuloendothelial system.
Virology. Structure of viruses, methods of propagation, pathogenic mechanisms. Classification of viruses. Viral diseases of medical importance. Antiviral agents.
Bacteriology. Comparison of subcellular structures of the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell. Summary treatment of microbial nutrition and energy production, and catabolic and anabolic processes. Synthesis of murein. Cell division and growth. Spore formation and germination.
Elementary microbial genetics. Population dynamics. Variation and adaptation. Expression and detection of mutation. Transfer of genetic information; conjugation, transformation, transduction. Extrachromosomal elements; lysogeny. Introduction to recombinant DNA technology.
Biotechnology. Recombinant DNA technology. Gene therapy. Transgenic animals. Gene probes. Biopharmaceuticals, peptides and protein drugs.
Mycology. Classification of fungi. Medical mycology. Pathological reactions to fungi. Antifungal agents; selective toxicity. Fungi useful to humanity.
Parasitology. Parasites of medical importance; antiprotozoal agents and anthelminthics.
Infectious diseases. Principles of isolation and identification of infectious agents. Infections of the respiratory, gastro-intestinal and genito-urinary tracts; of the skin and eye; systemic infections. Important pathogens of domestic animals and plants. More detailed treatment of some problem pathogens.
Immunology. Active and passive immunity. Structural components of the immune system: bone marrow, thymus, lymph nodes, spleen, peripheral lymphoid tissue. Acquired specific immunity: humoral and cellular. Cytokines. Hypersensitivity reactions. Vaccines and blood products. The immunology of tissue and organ grafts, autoimmune disease. Cancer immunology. Immunological tests. Monoclonal antibodies.
Antisepsis. Nature of, and principles governing, the mechanism of action and use of antiseptics, disinfectants and preservatives.
Sterilisation. Principles and practice of sterilisation (filtration, heat, chemical, radiation), aseptic dispensing and sterility assurance. Control of particle and pyrogen levels.
Contamination control. Microbial contamination of the workplace: industrial, hospital and home environments. Aseptic techniques, monitoring contamination, clean room design and function.
Anti-microbial agents. Selective toxicity, spectrum and classification of antimicrobial agents. Concept of rational chemotherapy vis a vis identity of pathogen, acute/chronic/recurrent infections, site of infection, resistance, adverse drug reactions, and laboratory involvement. Roles of best-guess therapy, antibiotic prophylaxis, combined therapy and supportive treatment. Side effects. Antibiotic use, guidelines, precautions and counselling.
Epidemiology. Reservoirs of infection: means of transmission, carrier state, latent infections, alternate hosts, vectors. Epidemics and zoonoses. Methods of control. Quarantine: travel regulations.
Practical
Fifteen 4-hour practical classes
Practical classes are designed to provide experience of the principles covered in the lecture series and teaches the skills required for the preparation of sterile pharmaceutical products and the handling and culture of microorganisms.
Textbooks
Recommended texts
Antibiotic Guidelines Sub-Committee Antibiotic guidelines 8th edn, Victorian Medical Postgraduate Foundation, 1994
Benenson A S Control of communicable diseases in man 15th edn, American Public Health Association, 1990
Hugo W D and Russell A D Pharmaceutical microbiology 5th edn, Blackwell, 1992
Ketchum P A Microbiology: Concepts and applications Wiley, 1988
Mims C A and others Medical microbiology Mosby, 1993
Reference books
Avis K E and others Pharmaceutical dosage forms: Parenteral medications vols 1 and 2, Dekker, 1992
Block S Disinfection, sterilization and preservation 4th edn, Lea and Febiger, 1991
Brooks G F and others Jawetz, Melnick and Adelberg's `Medical microbiology' 20th edn, Appleton and Lange, 1993
Davis B D and others Microbiology 4th edn, Lippincott, 1990
Lambert H P and O'Grady F Antibiotics and chemotherapy 6th edn, Churchill Livingstone, 1992
Maurer I M Hospital hygiene 3rd edn, Edward Arnold, 1985
Mims C A Pathogenesis of infectious disease 3rd edn, Academic Press, 1987
Morello J A and others Microbiology in patient care 4th edn, Macmillan, 1984
Murray P R and others Medical microbiology 2nd edn, Mosby, 1993
National Health and Medical Research Council Immunisation procedures 4th edn, AGPS, 1991
Roitt I M and others Immunology 3rd edn, Mosby, 1993
Turco S and King R E Sterile dosage forms 4th edn, Lea and Febiger 1994
White D O and Fenner F J Medical virology 4th edn, Academic Press, 1994
Assessment
Subject assessment will reflect the learning objectives outlined above. Methods of assessment will include:
Mid-year examination (June) (2 hours): 20%
Practical work: 15% * End-of-year examination (3 hours): 65%