Learning objectives

Understanding the connections between oral microbiota and oral cancer. Know the clinical and innovative research aspects.

Prerequisites and basic notions

Microbiology of the oral cavity: anatomy and physiology of the oral cavity, characteristics of the oral microbial ecosystem. Composition of the oral microbiota: list of the main microorganisms present in the oral cavity, including bacteria, viruses and fungi. Role of the oral microbiota in health and disease: interactions between the oral microbiota and the human host, microbial balance and balance disorders. Dental biofilm: formation, structure and function of dental biofilm, role in the pathogenesis of oral diseases such as tooth decay and periodontal disease. Dental diseases associated with oral microbiota: dental caries, periodontal disease, stomatitis, endodontic infections and other oral conditions. Factors influencing the oral microbiota: effects of diet, oral hygiene, tobacco smoking and other factors on the oral microbiota. Impact of the oral microbiota on general health: relationships between oral health and systemic health, for example the connections between periodontal disease and heart disease. Microbiology of opportunistic oral infections: oral infections in immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy. Microbiology of neoplastic lesions of the oral cavity: role of oral microorganisms in oral carcinogenesis and precancerous lesions. Role of the host immune system: key role in the defense against oral infections. Compromised immunity or an alteration of the balance of the microbiota as a predisposition to a greater risk of infections.

Program

Methods of studying the oral microbiota: sampling techniques, culture, molecular biology methods such as DNA sequencing and quantitative PCR. Oral microbiota-targeted therapies: Oral microbiota management strategies to promote oral health, such as the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and antibacterial treatments. Recent developments in oral microbiota research: new discoveries, innovative research approaches, and potential applications for the diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases. Transmission and control of nosocomial infections: prevention strategies for oral infections in hospitalized patients, with particular attention to the prevention of post-operative infections. Antibiotics and microbial resistance in the oral cavity: appropriate use of antibiotics in the treatment of oral infections and understanding the implications of microbial resistance in the oral cavity. Appropriate guidelines for the rational use of antibiotics. Interactions between microorganisms present in the oral microbiota and other bacteria or viruses present in the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract. Dysbiosis as a factor favoring the colonization of bacterial pathogens or the compromise of the local immune system. Microorganisms involved in upper respiratory tract infections and their influence on the development of tumors. The development of cancer: interaction between genetic, environmental and behavioral factors. Cancer Prevention. Early diagnosis of oral cancer. Notes on cancer treatment. Conventional therapies and symptom management and support. Ongoing research and future perspectives: Understanding the role of the oral microbiota. Future studies will investigate the interaction between the oral microbiota, the host immune system and the onset of oral cancer, in order to develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Bibliography

Didactic methods

interactive lessons in a clinical setting on the patient. Teaching material provided on request also regarding prerequisites.

Learning assessment procedures

written and oral exam. preparation of a scientific publication

Assessment

1. ability to relate to the patient 2. ability to clinically and therapeutically characterize the patient 3. adequacy in answering 10 open written questions 4. scientific paper presented

Criteria for the composition of the final grade

out of thirtieths equally distributed considering the 4 evaluation criteria