Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)

Course Description Status: Approved

Course Description Version: 26/27.R.3.00

Description Period: 2026./27 academic year rudens semestris

Study Course Accepted: -

Study Course Description

Infectology and Laboratory Medicine

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
IK_002
Branch of Science
Clinical medicine
ECTS
6.00
Target Audience
Medicine
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Ludmila Vīksna
Structure Unit Manager
Ludmila Vīksna
Structural Unit
Department of Infectology
Contacts

Riga, 3 Linezera Street, idk@rsu.lv, +371 67014777

About Study Course

Objective

The aim of the study course is to promote the acquisition of theoretical and practical knowledge about the laboratory diagnosis of disease, also infections, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, approaches to treatment, the possibilities of specific and etiological therapy, as well as the epidemiology of infectious diseases and their impact on the quality of life of an individual and public health.

Preliminary Knowledge

Physics, anatomy, biochemistry, biology, parasitology, normal and pathological physiology, microbiology, immunology, propaedeutics, internal diseases and pharmacology.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Describe the tasks and importance of laboratory medicine in the diagnosis of diseases and the assessment of the course of the disease in relation to both the etiological factor and pathogenesis and clinical manifestations.

Individual work and tests

Work in class • Report on a chosen topic • Tests Tests by lecture topic • Case report • Written examination

2.To promote understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of biosecurity.

Individual work and tests

Written examination • Tests Tests by lecture topic • Report on a chosen topic • Work in class

3.Describe and classify infectious diseases according to their etiological factor, relationship to pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, possibility of spread and danger to individual and public health.

Individual work and tests

Work in class • Report on a chosen topic • Tests Tests by lecture topic • Written examination • Case report

4.Describe and identify specific, typical, pathogenic and other symptoms.

Individual work and tests

Case report • Written examination • Tests Tests by lecture topic • Report on a chosen topic • Work in class

5.Explain the investigation programme and systematise laboratory methods.

Individual work and tests

Work in class • Report on a chosen topic • Tests Tests by lecture topic • Case report • Written examination

6.Formulate and explain general principles of therapy; relate the steps of a health care plan to individualized health care.

Individual work and tests

Written examination • Case report • Tests Tests by lecture topic • Report on a chosen topic • Work in class

7.Explain the principles of modern specific prevention, both in relation to society and the individual.

Individual work and tests

Work in class • Report on a chosen topic • Tests Tests by lecture topic • Case report • Written examination

Skills

1.Will be able to create a plan for medical activities aimed at the laboratory and other diagnostics of the individual's disease.

Individual work and tests

Written examination • Case report • Report on a chosen topic • Work in class

2.Will be able to develop a plan for specific, etiological and other treatment, as well as to implement the developed plan, taking into account epidemiological, life and disease anamnesis, laboratory tests and other data.

Individual work and tests

Work in class • Case report • Written examination

3.Evaluate the data obtained from physical examination. Integrate laboratory tests into the design of disease diagnosis.

Individual work and tests

Written examination • Case report • Work in class • Report on a chosen topic

4.Integrate laboratory tests into the design of disease diagnosis.

Individual work and tests

Work in class • Report on a chosen topic • Case report • Written examination

5.Plan specific and non-specific preventive measures necessary to limit the spread of the disease.

Individual work and tests

Case report • Written examination • Report on a chosen topic • Work in class

Competences

1.Apply the knowledge of the basics of factology, argumentation, logic and rhetoric in order to analyze permissible and detectable situations in theoretical and practical infectology, discuss, justify and explain one's opinion and constructively promote the achievement of professional goals and the performance of specific tasks in ensuring individual and public health.

Individual work and tests

Case report • Work in class

2.Communicate in the fields of prevention, diagnosis, differential diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases when dealing with patients, patients' relatives and colleagues of other specialties.

Individual work and tests

Work in class

3.Cooperate with patients, patients' relatives, colleagues in an atmosphere of respect, observing the regulatory framework binding on the medical field, ethical norms, respecting patients' rights and ensuring epidemiological safety. independently and continuously learn and be able to use the e-medicine environment for communication; demonstrate and improve oneself as a future medical practitioner and health promoter for the individual and society in the context of specific and non-specific prevention of infectious diseases.

Individual work and tests

Work in class

4.Demonstrate and develop themselves as a future medical practitioner and health promoter for the individual and society in the context of specific and non-specific prevention of infectious diseases.

Individual work and tests

Work in class • Report on a chosen topic

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Work in class
20.00% from total grade
10 points

Preliminary preparation for each practical class (relevant topic) and activity during the class.

The student receives an assessment in a 10-point system for each class. Assessment criteria:

  • Preparation before the class.
  • Has prepared the necessary information, materials or task according to the instructions.
  • Is able to use previously acquired knowledge in the activity of the class.
  • Active involvement in the class.
  • Performance of the given tasks according to the instructions.
  • Cooperation with others and listening to other opinions, ability to justify one's opinion or answers.
  • Ability to reflect on what has been done and to formulate what has been learned by completing a short test at the end of the class.
2.

Report on a chosen topic
-
10 points

Independent work (7th semester) – a report on the chosen topic.

Evaluation criteria:

  • Relevance to the chosen topic and the purpose of the work.
  • Quality and relevance of the information content to the topic.
  • Diversity and reliability of the information sources used.
  • Structuring of information and logical sequence of presentation.
  • Ability to summarize, analyze, and formulate the most important information.
  • Independent work and own conclusions.
  • Correct formatting of references and used literature.
  • Technical and visual design of the work.
  • Language quality, spelling, and use of terminology.
  • Submission of the work within the specified deadline.
3.

Case report
10.00% from total grade
10 points

Clinical case report (8th semester).

Assessment criteria:

  • Completeness and structure of the clinical case report.
  • Accurate and logical presentation of essential information.
  • Appropriate description of patient complaints, history, and objective examination data.
  • Recognition and interpretation of clinical symptoms and signs.
  • Evaluation and linking of examination results to the clinical situation.
  • Reasoned formulation of possible diagnosis or differential diagnoses.
  • Rationality of treatment and care tactics.
  • Ability to justify clinical decisions using theoretical knowledge and evidence.
  • Correct use of professional medical terminology.
  • Independence and critical thinking.
  • Appropriate use of information sources and references.
  • Compliance with patient confidentiality and data protection requirements.
  • Quality of work format and language.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

semester 7
-
Test

Test in semester 7 – attendance of all classes, assessment of independent work. Detailed rules can be seen in e-studies.
2.

Tests Tests by lecture topic
20.00% from total grade
10 points

Tests by lecture topic

The test is available in e-studies only when all the lectures scheduled for the 7th and 8th semesters have been watched. It consists of randomly selected 20 questions. The test can be taken only once, in case of unsuccessful completion of the test - repeated completion of the test takes place on site, by prior agreement on time. To get a successful assessment, at least 11 questions must be answered correctly.
3.

Written examination
50.00% from total grade
10 points

Written examination on all topics of the study course: theoretical question in infectiology (20%) and interpretation of a clinical case in laboratory medicine (30%). Detailed rules are available in e-studies.

The theoretical question includes all topics in infectious diseases covered in the 7th and 8th semesters. The evaluation includes: the relevance of knowledge to the topic of the question; correct understanding and use of concepts and terms; completeness and accuracy of the answer; ability to explain the most important theoretical principles; ability to link theoretical knowledge to a practical/clinical situation; logical and structured nature of the answer; ability to justify and argue the answer; highlighting and systematization of the most important information; appropriate use of professional terminology.

Interpretation of a clinical case in laboratory medicine. Evaluation criteria:

  • Understands and accurately interprets laboratory test results.
  • Recognizes deviations from reference intervals and evaluates their clinical significance.
  • Is able to link laboratory parameters to the clinical picture of the patient.
  • Evaluates the interrelationships between laboratory parameters.
  • Is able to formulate a possible diagnosis or differential diagnosis based on laboratory data.
  • Understands the diagnostic significance and limitations of laboratory tests.
  • Is able to evaluate possible preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical factors that may affect the results.
  • Justifies which additional laboratory tests would be necessary.
  • Uses appropriate medical and laboratory terminology.
  • Logically and reasonably justifies his/her interpretation.
  • Demonstrates independence and critical thinking in the analysis of the clinical case.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1

  1. Video Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Modern infectology: definitions, concepts, classification, principles of diagnostics, therapy and prevention.

  1. Video Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Respiratory diseases, including tuberculosis: agents, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, principles of treatment and prevention, prognosis.

  1. Video Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Blood borne diseases.

  1. Video Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Parasitic infections: classification, variety of clinical course, diagnostics, approaches to therapy, prevention.

  1. Video Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

General epidemiology of infectious disease.

  1. Video Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Gastrointestinal infections

  1. Video Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Introduction to laboratory medicine. Types and characteristics of biomaterials. Choice of examination procedure and a short description of technologies used in laboratory. Phases of laboratory testing.

  1. Video Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Laboratory diagnosis of infections and infestations. Principles of choice of investigations and biomaterials and clinical interpretation of test results. Examination of environmental objects in the context of infectious diseases.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
4

Topics

Immunology of infectious diseases: the immunological basis of acute and chronic processes and their use in the diagnosis of the disease.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
4

Topics

Virus and bacterial acute respiratory infections – ethiology, clinical symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
4

Topics

Fecal oral infections: bacterial, viral, parasitic: clinic, diagnosis, treatment, prevention.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Laboratory
4

Topics

Principles of choice/selection of examinations and biomaterials for intended/planned/anticipated result (diagnosis, disease). Basics of standardization of laboratory work, essence of medical laboratory accreditation. Biorisks.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
32 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Test (Semester)
Part 2

  1. Video Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Zoonoses, including ornithoses

  1. Video Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Biotherorism – role and place of infectious agents

  1. Video Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Laboratory diagnosis of heart and blood circulation, lymphatic, nervous, and endocrine system diseases. Laboratory diagnosis of immunological, hematological, oncological, and genetic diseases.

  1. Video Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Laboratory diagnosis of gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and urinary tract, lungs, skin and its derivates, and reproductive system diseases.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
4

Topics

Examination of patients with suspected tuberculosis (TB). TB diagnostic algorithm

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
4

Topics

Viral hepatitis – VHA, VHB, VHC, VHD, VHE, etc. clinic, diagnosis, treatment, prevention

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
-
4

Topics

Hemorrhagic fevers – concept, classification, etiological groups, clinical presentation, diagnosis verification, principles of treatment. Tropical infections. Ebola virus disease - simulation

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
4

Topics

Healthcare-associated infections. Antimicrobial Resistance

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Specialized room
4

Topics

Interpretation of laboratory results and their significance in clinical practice

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
4

Topics

Microbiological safety criteria of food products and environmental objects and organization of laboratory control as prevention of infectious diseases.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
32 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Infekcijas slimības / Ludmilas Vīksnas vadībā; autoru kolektīvs: Elga Bataraga, Agita Jēruma, Oksana Koļesova, Juta Kroiča, Sniedze Laivacuma un vēl 8 autori. Rīga: Medicīnas apgāds, 2026. 567 lpp.

2.

Maxine A. Papadakis, Stephen J. McPhee, Michael W. Rabow, Kenneth R. McQuaid, Monica Gandhi 2024. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment McGraw Hill.Suitable for English stream

3.

Ferri's. 2024. Clinical Advisor Elsevier. ClinicalKey. Iegūts no via: ClinicalKeySuitable for English stream

4.

Bennett J.E., Dolin R.l., Blaser Mandell M. J., Douglas, and Bennett's. 2020. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Elsevier. ClinicalKey. Iegūts no via: ClinicalKeySuitable for English stream

5.

Madhukar Pai, Marcel A. Behr, David Dowdy, et.al. 2016. Tuberculosis. Nature reviews. 27October. PubMed.Suitable for English stream

6.

CDC Yellow Book 2026: Health Information for International Travel.Suitable for English stream

7.

P.R. Murray, K.S. Rosental, M.A. Pfaller. 2025. Medical microbiology. ElsevierSuitable for English stream

8.

Richard A. McPherson, MSc and Matthew R. Pincus. 2023. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis And Management By Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Elsevier. ClinicalKey. Iegūts no via: ClinicalKeySuitable for English stream

9.

Principles of infectious disease epidemiology.Suitable for English stream

Additional Reading

1.

HIV/AIDS quidelines 2022.Suitable for English stream

2.

EACS quidelines European AIDS clinical society 2021.Suitable for English stream

3.

Biorisk management. Laboratory biosecurity guidance. 2006. WHO WHO/CDS/EPR/2006.6.Suitable for English stream

4.

J. Michael Miller, Matthew J. Binnicker, Sheldon Campbell. 2018 A Guide to Utilization of the Microbiology Laboratory for Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases: 2018 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American Society for Microbiology. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 67(6) PubMed.Suitable for English stream

5.

Guder W.G. 2015. Pre- Examination Procedures in Laboratory Diagnostics: preanalytical Aspects and Their Impact on the Quality of Medical Laboratory Results. De Gruyter. Proquest Ebook Central. Iegūts no via: Proquest Ebook CentralSuitable for English stream

6.

Kessel M. 2014 Neglected Diseases, Delinquent Diagnostics. Science Translational Medicine. 6(226) PubMed.Suitable for English stream

7.

Cilvēka imūndeficīta vīrusa (HIV) infekcijas diagnostikas, ārstēšanas un profilakses klīniskās vadlīnijas. 2014.

8.

Vīrushepatīta B diagnostikas un etiotropās ārstēšanas vadlīnijas. 2011.

9.

Laboratory quality management system: handbook. 2011. World Health Organization.Suitable for English stream

10.

Infectious Diseases Epiedmiology (Oxford Specialist Handbooks). 2016. Edited by Ibrahim Abubakar. Helen R. Stagg, Ted Cohen and Laura C Rodrigues. Print Publication Date: Apr. Published online: Jun 2016.Suitable for English stream

11.

Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook. Amy L. Leber. ASM Press, 2016, p. 2954Suitable for English stream

12.

Modern Infectious Disease Epidemiology. 2017. 3rd ed. Johan Giesecke. CRC Press. Published April 5. 248 Pages.Suitable for English stream

Other Information Sources

1.

Practical Laboratory Medicine. Journal, Co Editors-in-Chief: William Clarke, Mike J. Hallworth.Suitable for English stream

2.

IFCCSuitable for English stream

3.

The Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine. The Official Publication of the Central Society for Clinical ResearchSuitable for English stream

4.

Journal of Cytology & Molecular Biology (JCMB)Suitable for English stream

5.

Laboratory Biosafety ManualSuitable for English stream

6.

WHO European Guidance on standards for infectious diseases laboratoriesSuitable for English stream

7.

Alert, response, and capacity building under the International Health Regulations (IHR)Suitable for English stream

8.

Laboratory Quality Stepwise Implementation toolSuitable for English stream

9.

Infectious diseases epidemiology.Suitable for English stream