In order to pass the course, the student must have active participation in lectures and practical teaching. The prerequisite for passing the examination is the preparation and defence of a seminar paper on the topic assigned by the supervisor (in the range A-E), which is the result of self-study. The examination is awarded on the basis of an assessment of the knowledge acquired (in the A-E range).

The graduate of the course will acquire the latest knowledge about important bacterial species and species of microscopic fungi - environmental contaminants, potential pathogens of humans and animals He/she will acquire scientific methods and working procedures in the study of pathogenicity and virulence factors and the mechanism (pathogenesis) of infection, especially in the case of pathogens of diseases transmissible from animals to humans. This includes contaminants of water, air, soil in the housing environment as well as in the hospital and food production environment. The graduate will also acquire working practices in the study of virulence and mechanisms of viral infections, especially in agents of diseases transmissible from animals to humans, especially zoonoses of viral origin transmitted by vectors (blood-sucking insects, arboviruses). Gain insight into the causative agents of new and re-emerging bacterial, fungal and viral infections and the risks posed by the misuse of bacterial and viral pathogens in bioterrorism. The learning outcomes are verified by the development of a seminar paper, its defence and a final examination.

Factors of bacterial pathogenicity, pathogenicity of fungi and their virulence. Mechanisms of bacterial and fungal infection. Why even saprophytic bacterial species can be important pathogens? Characteristics of the physical and biological properties of viruses, taxonomic criteria with a focus on new insights from molecular biological methods. Microscopic fungi. Micro-organisms of water, soil, conditions of dispersal of micro-organisms by air and vectors. Microorganisms as pathogenic environmental contaminants, zoonotic agents. Microorganisms as food contaminants. Agents of new and re-emerging diseases, their possible part of biological threat. Molecular biological and physical characterization of prion properties, prion diseases and their detection. Current opportunities for the study of health-promoting bacteria or their communities.

Collection of field samples, their processing and storage.

Isolation, characterization and diagnosis of pathogenic microorganisms present, from various types of environment - soil, water, air, stables, agricultural enterprises, food producing plants.

Etiopathogenesis of animal diseases caused by environmental microorganisms, risk assessment, prevention , therapy.

Arun K. Bhunia: Foodborne microbial pathogens. Springer, 2018.

Austin B. and Austin D.A.: Bacterial Fish Pathogens. Disease of Farmed and Wild Fish. Springer. Fifth edition, 2012.

Brenda W.A. et al: Bacterial Pathogenesis: A Molecular Approach. Fourth Edition. American Society for Microbiology, 2019.

Hubálek Z. and Rudolf I.: Microbial Zoonoses and Sapronoses. Springer, 2010.

Johnson D.I.: Bacterial pathogens and their virulence factors. First edition. Springer, 2018.

Markey B. et al.: Clinical Veterinary Microbiology. Second edition. MOSBY Elsevier, 2013.

McVey S.D. et al.: Veterinary Microbiology. Third edition. Wiley-Blackwell, 2013.

Murray P.R. et al.: Medical Microbiology. First edition. Elsevier Books, 2020.

Pilipčinec E. et al: Gram-negative bacteria. Košice: UVLF, 2018. ISBN 978-80-8077-571-1.

Pilipčinec E. et al: Gram-positive bacteria. Košice: UVLF, 2019. ISBN 978-80-8077-632-9.

Howley P. M., Knipe D. M.: Fields Virology, vol. 1: Emerging viruses. Wolters Kluwer Health, 2020, ISBN: 38150200.

Pistl J. et al: Veterinary virology. UVLF, Košice, 2013, ISBN: 978-80-8077-327-4.

Santoro A.: Clinical Veterinary Microbiology. Syrawood Pub House, 2016, ISBN: 9781682860656.

Rani R.R. et al.: Biofilm-Mediated Diseases: Causes and Controls. Springer. 2021.

Content prerequisite:

It is not required.

Continuous assessment:

Preparation of seminar work and protocol of practical activities.

Conditions for completion of course:

In order to pass the course, the student must have active participation in lectures and practical teaching. The prerequisite for passing the examination is the preparation and defence of a seminar paper on the topic assigned by the supervisor (in the range A-E), which is the result of self-study. The examination is awarded on the basis of an assessment of the knowledge acquired (in the A-E range).

Final assessment:

Exam