Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
General and Oral Microbiology, Immunology
Course Code
BUMK_074
Branch of Science
Basic medicine; Other basic medicines
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Dentistry; Life Science
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Dace Eglīte
Structure Unit Manager
Juta Kroiča
Structural Unit
Department of Biology and Microbiology
Contacts
Riga, 16 Dzirciema Street, bmk@rsu.lv, +371 67061584
About Study Course
Objective
To develop dental students’ knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of general and oral microbiology and immunology, enabling them to explain the classification, structure, biological characteristics, and pathogenic properties of microorganisms, as well as their interactions with the host and the immune system. To foster an evidence-based understanding of the oral cavity as a dynamic ecological system and of the role of the normal oral microbiota in maintaining oral homeostasis. To provide students with an understanding of the significance of microbiological processes in oral health and in the aetiology, pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of oral diseases.
Preliminary Knowledge
Biology, anatomy, histology, physiology.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.- Describes the classification, structure, biological characteristics, pathogenic properties, and environmental distribution of microorganisms. - Explains the fundamental principles of microorganism-host interactions and the mechanisms involved in the development of infectious diseases. - Describes the components, mechanisms of action, and functions of innate and adaptive immunity in protecting the host against infectious agents. - Describes the fundamental principles of asepsis, antisepsis, sterilisation, disinfection, and infection control in dentistry. - Explains the principles of antimicrobial therapy and the mechanisms underlying the development of antimicrobial resistance in microorganisms. - Describes the oral cavity as a dynamic ecological system and explains the role of the normal oral microbiota in maintaining oral homeostasis. - Describes the composition and characteristics of the oral microbiota in different ecological niches of the oral cavity. - Explains the role of the major medically significant microorganisms in the pathogenesis of diseases affecting the hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity.
Skills
1.- Performs basic microbiological laboratory procedures in accordance with laboratory safety and quality requirements. - Applies fundamental microbiological methods for the detection, isolation, and characterisation of microorganisms. - Interprets the results of microbiological investigations and evaluates their significance in the diagnosis of infectious diseases. - Evaluates the results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing and their significance for the selection of appropriate antimicrobial therapy. - Analyses the interactions between microorganisms and the host during the development of infectious diseases. - Analyses the role of the oral microbiota in maintaining oral health and in the development of oral diseases. - Evaluates the contribution of microbiological factors to the aetiology and pathogenesis of diseases affecting the hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity. - Applies knowledge of microbiology and immunology to the analysis of clinical cases and the explanation of the pathogenesis of oral diseases.
Competences
1.- Integrates knowledge of general and oral microbiology, as well as immunology, to explain the interactions between microorganisms and the host during the development of infectious diseases. - Evaluates the significance of microbiological and immunological processes in clinical decision-making related to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment planning of oral diseases. - Justifies the importance of the fundamental principles of infection control and antimicrobial therapy in ensuring safe and evidence-based dental practice. - Integrates knowledge of the oral microbiota and pathogenic microorganisms to substantiate the role of microbiological factors in maintaining oral health, the development of oral diseases, and the planning of preventive measures.
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Preparation for Course Exams |
-
|
10 points
|
|
As part of the course, students must prepare for four colloquia. The materials available to students are located on the e-learning platform and include instructional materials, videos demonstrating how to complete practical assignments, diagrams to help understand immunological mechanisms, as well as video lectures on the relevant topics |
||
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Colloquium |
100.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
The course includes colloquiums comprising multiple-choice and open-ended questions designed to evaluate students’ ability to integrate knowledge of general and oral microbiology, immunology, the oral microbiota, and pathogenic microorganisms; to evaluate the significance of microbiological and immunological processes in clinical decision-making; and to justify the importance of the fundamental principles of infection control and antimicrobial therapy in ensuring safe, evidence-based dental practice. The average grade for the colloquium is multiplied by the attendance coefficient for practical classes. • If a student receives at least 4 points in the cumulative grade, this is considered the final grade. If the cumulative grade is lower than 4 points, the student must take the final course exam—an oral exam before a panel of instructors. The exam includes a test of theoretical knowledge and questions on topics covered in the practical classes. |
||
Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
General microbiology. Atypical bacteria, fungi, viruses.
Description
|
|
Bacterial metabolism. Human microbiota
Description
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
General microbiology. Atypical bacteria, fungi, viruses.
Description
|
|
Bacterial metabolism. Human microbiota
Description
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
General microbiology. Atypical bacteria, fungi, viruses.
Description
|
|
Bacterial metabolism. Human microbiota
Description
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Antimicrobial agents. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Description
The groups of antibiotics. Mechanisms of antibacterial resistance |
|
Pathogenicity factors of bacteria. Infection. Mechanisms of innate immunity.
Description
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Antimicrobial agents. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Description
The groups of antibiotics. Mechanisms of antibacterial resistance |
|
Pathogenicity factors of bacteria. Infection. Mechanisms of innate immunity.
Description
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Antimicrobial agents. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Description
The groups of antibiotics. Mechanisms of antibacterial resistance |
|
Pathogenicity factors of bacteria. Infection. Mechanisms of innate immunity.
Description
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Antigens. MHC-I and MHC-II classes. Antibodies. Classes of Ig. Immune system cells. Immune system cells and their role in the immune response.
Description
Interaction of antigens-antibodies. Classes of Ig. Immune system cells and their role in the primary immune response. |
|
Secondary immune response. Immune pathology. Hypersensitivity.
Description
Allergic reactions. Anaphylaxis, its mechanism. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Antigens. MHC-I and MHC-II classes. Antibodies. Classes of Ig. Immune system cells. Immune system cells and their role in the immune response.
Description
Interaction of antigens-antibodies. Classes of Ig. Immune system cells and their role in the primary immune response. |
|
Secondary immune response. Immune pathology. Hypersensitivity.
Description
Allergic reactions. Anaphylaxis, its mechanism. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Cocci, atypical bacteria. Fungi.
Description
Bacteria, fungi and viruses, their role in aethiology of infections |
|
Respiratory viruses.
Description
Respiratory viruses, transmission and role in the aethiology of viral infections |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Cocci, atypical bacteria. Fungi.
Description
Bacteria, fungi and viruses, their role in aethiology of infections |
|
Respiratory viruses.
Description
Respiratory viruses, transmission and role in the aethiology of viral infections |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Oral ecology and the organization of the microbiota.
Description
Characteristics of the oral ecosystem, the formation and dynamics of the microbiome, the interaction between microorganisms and the host, as well as factors affecting oral homeostasis |
|
Gram-negative anaerobic Bacteroidota-type microorganisms in biofilms and periodontal diseases.
Description
Gram-negative anaerobic Bacteroidota-type microorganisms in biofilms and periodontal diseases, their biological properties, virulence factors, role in oral biofilm formation, and association with the pathogenesis of oral diseases. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Oral ecology and the organization of the microbiota.
Description
Characteristics of the oral ecosystem, the formation and dynamics of the microbiome, the interaction between microorganisms and the host, as well as factors affecting oral homeostasis |
|
Gram-negative anaerobic Bacteroidota-type microorganisms in biofilms and periodontal diseases.
Description
Gram-negative anaerobic Bacteroidota-type microorganisms in biofilms and periodontal diseases, their biological properties, virulence factors, role in oral biofilm formation, and association with the pathogenesis of oral diseases. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
The role of microorganisms in the pathogenesis of oral soft tissue diseases.
Description
Characteristics of periodontal pathogens, their interactions within biofilms, the host’s immune response, and the role of microbiological factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease, e.g., Porphyromonas, Prevotella, Tannerella spp. |
|
Diagnostic options for oral fungi and Candida spp.
Description
The biological characteristics of Candida spp., their role in oral pathology, as well as laboratory diagnostic methods for oral samples and the interpretation of results. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
The role of microorganisms in the pathogenesis of oral soft tissue diseases.
Description
Characteristics of periodontal pathogens, their interactions within biofilms, the host’s immune response, and the role of microbiological factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease, e.g., Porphyromonas, Prevotella, Tannerella spp. |
|
Diagnostic options for oral fungi and Candida spp.
Description
The biological characteristics of Candida spp., their role in oral pathology, as well as laboratory diagnostic methods for oral samples and the interpretation of results. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Examination methods of microorganisms
Description
Preparation of bacterial smears. Simple and complex methods of staining. Microscopic imaging technique – oil immersion microscopy. |
|
Cultivation of bacteria and fungi.
Description
Cultivation of bacteria and fungi. in media, obtaining a pure culture. Methods of identification of a pure culture. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Examination methods of microorganisms
Description
Preparation of bacterial smears. Simple and complex methods of staining. Microscopic imaging technique – oil immersion microscopy. |
|
Cultivation of bacteria and fungi.
Description
Cultivation of bacteria and fungi. in media, obtaining a pure culture. Methods of identification of a pure culture. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Oral microbiota. Microbiota of air.
Description
Examination of oral microbiota. Examination of the microbiota of air. |
|
Antibiotics. Disinfection and sterilisation methods in dentistry.
Description
Antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Disinfection and sterilisation methods in dentistry. Evaluation of the results of the completed practical work. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Oral microbiota. Microbiota of air.
Description
Examination of oral microbiota. Examination of the microbiota of air. |
|
Antibiotics. Disinfection and sterilisation methods in dentistry.
Description
Antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Disinfection and sterilisation methods in dentistry. Evaluation of the results of the completed practical work. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Microbiological diagnosis of infectious diseases.
Description
Microbiological diagnosis of infectious diseases – microbiological diagnostic algorithm. |
|
Serological and molecular diagnosis of infectious diseases
Description
Immune response (I). Serological and molecular diagnosis of infectious diseases (seroidentification, serodiagnostics) – agglutination reactions. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Laboratory
|
2
|
Topics
|
Microbiological diagnosis of infectious diseases.
Description
Microbiological diagnosis of infectious diseases – microbiological diagnostic algorithm. |
|
Serological and molecular diagnosis of infectious diseases
Description
Immune response (I). Serological and molecular diagnosis of infectious diseases (seroidentification, serodiagnostics) – agglutination reactions. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Serological and molecular diagnosis of infectious diseases (seroidentification, serodiagnostics)
Description
Immune response (II). Serological and molecular diagnosis of infectious diseases (seroidentification, serodiagnostics) –IF, ELISA, PCR. |
|
Hhypersensitivity. Allergic reactions.
Description
Types and immunological mechanisms of hypersensitivity. Prevention (prophylaxis) in infectious diseases. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Serological and molecular diagnosis of infectious diseases (seroidentification, serodiagnostics)
Description
Immune response (II). Serological and molecular diagnosis of infectious diseases (seroidentification, serodiagnostics) –IF, ELISA, PCR. |
|
Hhypersensitivity. Allergic reactions.
Description
Types and immunological mechanisms of hypersensitivity. Prevention (prophylaxis) in infectious diseases. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Medically important infectious diseases caused by cocci
Description
Medically important infectious diseases caused by cocci – causative agents, pathogenesis, prevention (prophylaxis) measures, and microbiological diagnosis. |
|
Medically important infectious diseases caused by atypical bacteria (spirochetes and actinomyces) and fungi
Description
Medically important infectious diseases caused by atypical bacteria (spirochetes and actinomyces) and fungi – causative agents, pathogenesis, prevention (prophylaxis) measures, and microbiological diagnosis. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Medically important infectious diseases caused by cocci
Description
Medically important infectious diseases caused by cocci – causative agents, pathogenesis, prevention (prophylaxis) measures, and microbiological diagnosis. |
|
Medically important infectious diseases caused by atypical bacteria (spirochetes and actinomyces) and fungi
Description
Medically important infectious diseases caused by atypical bacteria (spirochetes and actinomyces) and fungi – causative agents, pathogenesis, prevention (prophylaxis) measures, and microbiological diagnosis. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Medically important infectious diseases caused by respiratory viruses
Description
Medically important infectious diseases caused by respiratory viruses – causative agents, pathogenesis, prevention (prophylaxis) measures, and microbiological diagnosis. |
|
Medically important infectious diseases caused by hepatitis viruses, HIV
Description
Medically important infectious diseases caused by hepatitis viruses, HIV – causative agents, pathogenesis, prevention (prophylaxis) measures, and microbiological diagnosis. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Medically important infectious diseases caused by respiratory viruses
Description
Medically important infectious diseases caused by respiratory viruses – causative agents, pathogenesis, prevention (prophylaxis) measures, and microbiological diagnosis. |
|
Medically important infectious diseases caused by hepatitis viruses, HIV
Description
Medically important infectious diseases caused by hepatitis viruses, HIV – causative agents, pathogenesis, prevention (prophylaxis) measures, and microbiological diagnosis. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Bloodborne viruses
Description
HIV, Hepatitis B and C viruses |
|
Characteristics of the normal oral microbiota and Gram-positive oral bacteria.
Description
.An assessment of the composition and ecology of the normal oral microbiota and the role of Gram-positive microorganisms in maintaining oral homeostasis. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Bloodborne viruses
Description
HIV, Hepatitis B and C viruses |
|
Characteristics of the normal oral microbiota and Gram-positive oral bacteria.
Description
.An assessment of the composition and ecology of the normal oral microbiota and the role of Gram-positive microorganisms in maintaining oral homeostasis. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Bloodborne viruses
Description
HIV, Hepatitis B and C viruses |
|
Characteristics of the normal oral microbiota and Gram-positive oral bacteria.
Description
.An assessment of the composition and ecology of the normal oral microbiota and the role of Gram-positive microorganisms in maintaining oral homeostasis. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Gram-negative oral bacteria and late colonizers of biofilms.
Description
Analysis of the stages of oral biofilm formation, identification of Gram-negative bacteria, and evaluation of their role in biofilm maturation and the development of pathological processes |
|
Diagnosis of cariogenic microbiota and microbiological analysis of saliva.
Description
Learning methods for detecting cariogenic microorganisms, qualitative and quantitative analysis of the saliva microbiota, and interpretation of results. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Gram-negative oral bacteria and late colonizers of biofilms.
Description
Analysis of the stages of oral biofilm formation, identification of Gram-negative bacteria, and evaluation of their role in biofilm maturation and the development of pathological processes |
|
Diagnosis of cariogenic microbiota and microbiological analysis of saliva.
Description
Learning methods for detecting cariogenic microorganisms, qualitative and quantitative analysis of the saliva microbiota, and interpretation of results. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Bacterial complexes in oral biofilms and the diagnosis of periodontal pathogens.
Description
Analysis of the microbiological composition of oral biofilms, identification of periodontal pathogens, and evaluation of diagnostic methods. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Bacterial complexes in oral biofilms and the diagnosis of periodontal pathogens.
Description
Analysis of the microbiological composition of oral biofilms, identification of periodontal pathogens, and evaluation of diagnostic methods. |
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
66 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Lekcijas, video un pdf materiāli studiju kursā "Vispārīgā un mutes mikrobioloģija, imunoloģija" / Lectures, video and pdf materials in study course "General and Oral Microbiology, Immunology"
2.
Metodiskās rekomendācijas - "Vispārīgā mikrobioloģija", "Infekcija un imunitāte" / Methodological recommendations "General Microbiology", "Infection and Immunity"
3.
Riedel, S., Morse, S. A., Mietzner, T. A., Detrick, B., Alexander, B. D., Graf, E. H., Wiederhold, N. P., Mejia, R., Hotez, P., & Sakanari, J. A. (2026). Jawetz, Melnick & Adelberg's Medical Microbiology (29th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.
4.
Abbas, A. K., Lichtman, A. H., Pillai, S., & Henrickson, S. (2026). Cellular and Molecular Immunology (11th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
Additional Reading
1.
Murray, P. R., Rosenthal, K. S., & Pfaller, M. A. 2026. Medical Microbiology. 10th ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier.
2.
Žileviča, A., Mazjānis, I. 2014. Medicīnas mikrobioloģija: Vispārīgā mikrobioloģija un infekcijas imunoloģija. Rīga: LU.
3.
Marsh, P. D., Lewis, M. A. O., Williams, D., Wilson, M., & Zaura, E. 2026. Marsh and Martin's Oral Microbiology. 7th ed. Philadelphia: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.
4.
Zhou, X., & Li, Y., eds. 2020. Atlas of Oral Microbiology: From Healthy Microflora to Disease. Singapore: Springer.
Other Information Sources
1.
Elektronisks informācijas resurss veselības aprūpes speciālistiem Medscape / Electronic resource Medscape for physicians and healthcare professionals
2.
Datubāze PubMed, kurā brīvi pieejami tiešsaistes biomedicīnas žurnālu rakstu bibliogrāfiskie apraksti / Database PubMed - Free full-text archive of biomedical and life sciences journal literature