Molecular basis of infectious diseases

This course consists mainly of theoretical lectures dealing with the molecular aspects of infectious diseases (bacteriology, virology, parasitology).

Bacteriology: The nature of infectious agents. Methods for studying pathogenesis (in vivo, in vitro, in silico, and post-genomic technologies) Strategies used by pathogenic bacteria to survive in organisms: Adhesion of bacteria to eukaryotic cells, antigenic variation and phase variation, invasion of non-phagocytic eukaryotic cells, mechanisms of resistance to phagocytosis, mechanisms of bacterial survival in phagocytic cells, management of membrane permeability, bacterial secretion systems (types I, II, III, IV, V, and VI), iron acquisition mechanisms, bacterial exotoxins, bacterial biofilms, examples of environmental regulation (thermoregulation, quorum sensing, etc.).

Parasitology: Cellular organization and physiology of major pathogens within parasitic unicellular eukaryotes (invasion and modification of the host cell; metabolic characteristics and therapeutic targets); Genetics and molecular biology (genome organization, antigenic variation); Pathophysiology and immune response evasion

Virology: Molecular mechanisms of the viral cycle; Expression of viral genomes; Transformation by viruses; Virus replication strategies; Plasticity of viral genomes; Structural importance of viruses in host interactions; 

The program provides a more in-depth study at the molecular level of concepts already partially covered at the L level (particularly S5 and S6). It focuses primarily on the study of microbial pathogenesis mechanisms. During the course, students begin to acquire methodological skills and develop a critical understanding of the elements of diagnosis, pathogenesis, and the biological basis of therapeutics. The course thus prepares future doctoral students for various academic or industrial research careers in the field of health-related microbiology.

This course is complemented in the second semester by a course covering the same topics, with an emphasis on methodological aspects and in-depth exploration of interactions with the host based on analysis of articles (tutorials).

Basic knowledge of molecular and cellular biology. Bachelor's degree level knowledge of parasitology, bacteriology, and virology.

Recommended prerequisites: Reading articles related to microbiology in scientific journals.

Session 1: Written exam (75%) + Continuous assessment (25%) 

Session 2: Oral (100%)