1999 Pharmacy Handbook - Pharmaceutical microbiology II

Pharmaceutical microbiology II

Introduction
General objectives
Syllabus
Practical
Textbooks
Assessment

Introduction

Dr Ian Griffith
39 lectures, 8 tutorials, 39 hours of practical work and workshop sessions
The aim of the subject is to provide students with a detailed knowledge of the nature and uses of antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents, and the types and use of antiseptics, disinfectants and preservatives.

General objectives

In this teaching program students are expected to develop:

understanding of the structure, chemistry, function and classification of a range of antimicrobial and antiparasitic agents; the nature and uses of antiseptics, disinfectants and preservatives; sterilisation methods and contamination control;
abilities in the areas of preventing contamination of pharmaceutical products and promoting rational use of antimicrobial agents;
an appreciation of the need to have well developed strategies for controlling infectious diseases and preventing contamination of pharmaceutical products.

Syllabus

Antisepsis. Nature and mechanism of action of antiseptics, disinfectants and presevatives. Principles governing their use.
Sterilisation. Principles and practice of sterilisation, aseptic dispensing and sterility assurance. Control of particle and pyrogen levels.
Contamination control. Microbial contamination of the workplace, hospital, industrial and home environments. Aseptic techniques, monitoring contamination, clean room design and function.
Anti-infective agents. Selective toxicity, spectrum and classification of antimicrobial and antiparasitic agents. Concept of rational chemotherapy vis a vis identity of pathogens, acute and chronic infections, sites of infection, adverse drug reactions, and laboratory involvement. Role of 'best-guess' therapy: antibiotic prophylaxis; combined therapy and supportive treatment; prescribing and use guidelines; rational use of anti-infective agents.
Chemistry of anti-infective agents. The synthesis, structure and modes of action of antibiotics, sulfonamides and other antibacterial agents, antitubercular agents, antifungals, antimalarial and other antiprotozoal drugs, antihelmintics, antiviral drugs, and antiseptics and disinfectants.
Applied immunology. Hypersensitivity reactions. Vaccines and blood products. The immunology of tissue and organ grafts, autoimmune diseases. Cancer immunology. Transplantation immunology. Immunosuppression. Immunological tests.

Practical

Practical classes are designed to provide experience of the principles taught in the lecture course and teach the skills required for the preparation of sterile pharmaceutical products. The workshops are designed to provide opportunities for discussions about relevant case studies.

Textbooks

Recommended texts

Foye W O Principles of medicinal chemistry 4th edn, Lea and Febiger, 1995
Hugo W D and Russell A D Pharmaceutical microbiology 6th edn, Blackwell, 1998
Antibiotic guidelines Therapeutic Guidelines Ltd (most recent edition)

Reference books

Australian prescription products guide APPCo, 1998
Block S Disinfection, sterilization and preservation 4th edn, Lea and Febiger, 1991
Maurer I M Hospital hygiene 3rd edn, Edward Arnold, 1985
Turco S and King R E Sterile dosage forms 4th edn, Lea and Febiger, 1994
Victorian College of Pharmacy Applied Pharmaceutical Microbiology Manual VCP, 1999

Assessment

Subject assessment will reflect the learning objectives outlined above. Methods of assessment will include:

End-of-semester examination (June) (2 hours): 80%
Practical work: 20%