Clinical Virology 3

MEDN68522 Clinical Virology 3 15 Semester 2 Postgraduate Taught Level 6 Paul Klapper Unit coordinator Division of Medical Education 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 7.5 Clinical virology is a branch of clinical pathology which endeavors to identify and characterize viruses responsible for human disease and to treat and control those infections. It utilizes techniques at the leading edge of science and, with advent of rapid diagnosis, has become a vital and urgent pathological science.In this the second of the clinical virology units we explore respiratory virus infections in some detail. Viral infections commonly affect the upper or lower respiratory tract. Although these infections can be classified by the causative virus (e.g. influenza), they are generally classified clinically according to syndrome (e.g. the common cold, bronchiolitis, croup). Although specific pathogens commonly cause characteristic clinical manifestations (e.g. rhinovirus typically causes the common cold, respiratory syncytial virus typically causes bronchiolitis), each can cause many of the viral respiratory syndromes. Severity of viral respiratory illness varies widely; severe disease is more likely in the elderly and infants. Morbidity may result directly from viral infection or may be indirect, due to exacerbation of underlying cardiopulmonary conditions or bacterial superinfection of the lung, paranasal sinuses, or middle ear.We then turn our attention to virus (and in the case of prions) to non-viral causes of infection of the nervous system and central nervous system. Brain infections may manifest as a diffuse infection, resulting in encephalitis with focal brain involvement, or as inflammation of the brain secondary to meningeal or parameningeal infections. Encephalitis is most commonly due to viruses, such as herpes simplex, herpes zoster, cytomegalovirus, or West Nile virus. Multifocal brain involvement may occur during diffuse disseminated encephalomyelitis (a postinfectious syndrome). HIV infection  and prion diseases can also affect the brain diffusely Slow virus infections, such as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, caused by the JC virus, or subacute sclerosing panencephalitis), caused by the measles virus, also affect the brain; they are characterized by a long incubation and a prolonged course. In our final week of the unit we round off with a consideration of the highly topical viral haemorrhagic fevers, and clinically very important topics on viral gastroenteritis, viruses and cancer and viral infections in immunocompromised patients as a way of rounding out the rich and diverse world of the clinical virologist.  The Clinical Virology 2 unit of the course will provide a detailed introduction to respiratory virus infections their diagnosis, management, prevention and treatment. An introduction to virus infections and prion infections of the central nervous system infections, viral haemorrhagic fevers and more in depth consideration of viruses and cancer, and virus infection in immunocompromised patients.As in Clinical Virology 1 we will have practical classes simulating as closely as possible the investigation of real cases. Again you will have to design and perform investigations, make interpretation of the results of your investigations and make decisions on what to do – i.e. treatment decisions, decisions on infection control, and on-going management of the patient or patients. Our practical classes in this unit will present two of the difficult emotionally draining situations encountered in clinical virology, a neurological case in a young adolescent and the anguished decisions that are necessary in a case of congenital infection in utero. Cases that illustrate the need for accurate, specific, and rapid diagnosis and the complex treatment decisions that need to be made in these cases. <ul> <li> Provide students with a detailed knowledge and understanding of viral infections and their relationship to disease in humans. </li></ul> On completion of this course unit students will have or be able to:<ul> <li> Understand the classification of viruses and be able to identify major virus families and their members that cause significant disease in humans.  </li> <li> Understand the role of virus structure in transmission, disease pathogenesis and infection control  </li> <li> Have a broad knowledge of symptoms associated with viral infection in various organ systems and how these present in different patient groups.  </li> <li> Understand the immune response to viral infection and its role in pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapy.  </li> <li> Understand the various methodologies used for diagnosis of viral infection and know which methods are appropriate in particular contexts.  </li> <li> Have a detailed understanding of the mechanisms of action of a range of antiviral compounds.  </li> <li> Understand the treatment and prevention strategies for viral infections.  </li> <li> Be able to identify and differentiate symptoms associated with major viral infections  </li> <li> Be able to identify appropriate management and treatment strategies for particular patient groups.  </li> <li> Carry out laboratory based techniques used to diagnose infections competently, accurately and safely  </li> <li> Be able to assimilate and synthesise data from multiple sources  </li> <li> Present complex ideas to informed but non-specialist audiences in written and oral form. </li></ul> <ul> <li> Critically analyse, evaluate, interpret and understand the significance of results of controlled experiments and be able to apply data obtained to solve a clinical or diagnostic problem  </li> <li> Critically analyse and evaluate the relevant scientific literature  </li> <li> Integrate technical knowledge of assays with interpretation of diagnostic information  </li> <li> Demonstrate effective problem solving abilities  </li> <li> Synthesise and analyse complex virological concepts in a critical way and show the ability to challenge preconceived assumptions by informed argument  </li> <li> Understand the importance of quality assurance and control to establish validity and the role of standard operating procedures in the diagnostic setting  </li> <li> Recognise how knowledge of microbiology/virology can be applied to the clinical setting for patient management  </li> <li> Plan, conduct and report on a piece of independent microbiological or virological research</li></ul> <ul> <li> Demonstrate manual dexterity by safely and competently carrying out a range of routine and advanced practical skills in laboratory based virology using standard operating procedures  </li> <li> Synthesise, organise and present primary and secondary data in written and oral forms, including the safe recording of laboratory data  </li> <li> Use library, electronic and online resources to collect and select information  </li> <li> Demonstrate safe handling of clinical samples  </li> <li> Work effectively as part of a team and carry out constructive peer review  </li> <li> Critically evaluate a range of research methods and select and design appropriate experimentation to address a specific research problem in virology</li></ul> Students completing this module should be able to:<ul> <li> Confidently and accurately inform others on areas of learned expertise, but recognise self-limitation and actively seek advice from appropriate sources  </li> <li> Make oral presentations to specialist and non-specialist academic audiences participating effectively within such contexts  </li> <li> Approach their own professional development through planning, monitoring, critical reflection and evaluation  </li> <li> Work effectively and productively, recognising the value of physical, electronic and intellectual resources and paying due regard to the importance of quality and reliability of output  </li> <li> Manage time effectively and prioritise tasks appropriately whilst working independently or as part of a team  </li> <li> Make a useful and informed contribution to a team, identifying their own role and the value of that role to the output of the team  </li> <li> Demonstrate an enthusiastic and positive approach to learning  </li> <li> Show good communication skills and the capacity to liaise  </li> <li> Be responsive and adaptive to change</li></ul> Other Students will enjoy an exceptional teaching and learning experience, an opportunity to participate in high quality research at an early career stage and contribute to public-domain research output. They are encouraged to develop ambitious career aspirations in the clinical and laboratory sciences.Teaching benefits from individual and small group supervision by experienced academic staff with scientific and clinical backgrounds. Staff include national and internationally renowned experts in the discipline.The course is taught through lectures, seminars, practical classes and self-directed learning. There are extensive electronic learning aids available and each student has access to an experienced personal tutor to support them in their learning. 1 Written exam 40% 2 Written assignment (inc essay) 20% 8 Practical skills assessment 40% Detailed information on the end of unit assessment process is given in the MSc Medical Virology Handbook. Individual responses are anonymised and are reviewed at the Exam Board meetings held each Semester. Elected student representatives provide feedback to students on the comments and suggestions reviewed at the meeting.In addition within unit<ul> <li> Informal feedback is given on a one-one basis in practical sessions</li> <li> There are opportunities to repeat and practice experimental techniques in areas where the student (or tutor) considers there is weakness.</li> <li> Opportunity to submit practice essays for feedback prior to written examinations</li> <li> Verbal feedback in seminar/tutorial sessions</li> <li> On-line self-assessments</li></ul> MSc Medical Virology (FT) MSc Medical Virology FT PGDT Taught Component Mandatory MSc Medical Virology (PT) MSc Medical Virology (PT) PGDT Taught Component Mandatory N The course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) for training in microbiology and virology. You can find out more about the IBMS accreditation scheme at: <a href="https://www.ibms.org/go/qualifications/ibms-courses/accreditation">https://www.ibms.org/go/qualifications/ibms-courses/accreditation</a>.Information on the FRCPath specialist qualifications of The Royal College of Pathologists (United Kingdom) and their Continuing Professional Development programme can be found here: <a href="http://www.rcpath.org/">http://www.rcpath.org/</a>Information on the Canadian Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons certification scheme can be found here: <a href="http://www.royalcollege.ca/portal/page/portal/rc/credentials">http://www.royalcollege.ca/portal/page/portal/rc/credentials</a>Information on the The American Board of Pathology Certification scheme can be found here: <a href="http://www.abpath.org/BofICert.htm">http://www.abpath.org/BofICert.htm</a>Information on the criteria for Registered Scientist status can be found here: <a href="http://www.ase.org.uk/professional-development/registered-scientist-rsci/the-standard-for-registered-scientist-rsci/">http://www.ase.org.uk/professional-development/registered-scientist-rsci/the-standard-for-registered-scientist-rsci/</a> A reading list is available on the John Rylands University website search and can also be accessed through the Electronic ‘Blackboard’ Learning support system Lectures 15 Practical classes & workshops 15 0 120 The course provides a spring-board for those wishing to pursue a career in Clinical Virology. Many of the graduates of the course progress on to PhD study and careers in research or in the Academic arena. For those entering clinical work it provides a firm foundation for the FRCPath part 1 exams in Microbiology or Virology of the Royal College of Pathology; can help toward fulfilling the training criteria for The American Board of Pathology Certification in Microbiology and the Canadian Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons certification in Medical Microbiology; and for those pusuing a career in Science can form part of the requirements to achieve Registered Scientist (Rsci) status. As an accredited Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) course it provides a pathway into training as a Biomedical Scientist in Virology and it also provides a route into work within the vaccine and antiviral drug, research and production of the pharmaceutical industry and other arenas. Students are encouraged to join the European Society for Clinical Virology:  <a href="http://www.escv.org/">http://www.escv.org/</a> who organise scientific meetings, training courses and generous travel awards. The Society for General Microbiology is also worthwhile joining:  <a href="http://www.sgm.ac.uk/">http://www.sgm.ac.uk/</a> since in addition to organising regular scientific meetings they provide useful travel awards.The UK Clinical Virology Network <a href="http://clinicalvirology.org/">http://clinicalvirology.org/</a> is the network of clinical virology laboratories in the UK and its sister organisation is the Pan-American Society for Clinical Virology <a href="http://www.pascv.org/links.html">http://www.pascv.org/links.html</a>  both provide a rich source of useful material and contacts.Manchester Virology is on Facebook, Twitter and Linked in and a dedicated website for the course is soon to be launched.