Learning objectives
Parasites of animals directly or indirectly contribute to reduce global sustainability. Sustainable parasite control is not an absolute concept and therefore, could have different levels of adoption and impact. Within this context the capacity to prioritize the target parasite species for control according to local epidemiology, the early diagnosis and monitoring of parasite resistance as well as the availability of well trained field professionals acquire a major role, creating an enabling environment for present and future decision support system approaches.
Prerequisites
none
Course unit content
The course will illustrate how to apply biomolecular techniques for the diagnosis, study of the epidemiology and etiopathogenesis of parasitic animal diseases. In addition, the latest sustainable methods of controlling parasitic infections, including so-called "Hidden vaccines" will be discussed in depth and critically.
Full programme
Introduction to parasitology
Protozoa:Toxoplasma gondii
Helminths: Filarioidea
Platyhelminthes: Cestoda, Echinococcus granulosus
Artropoda: ticks
The biology, morphology, biological cycle, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of each parasite will be taken into consideration with a particular focus on available vaccines, their technology and future perspectives for the development of therapy and prophylaxis.
Bibliography
Notes and slides;Parassitologia Veterinaria, Urquart et al, (ed. Genchi C.), UTET, 2006;
Genchi M, Traldi G, Genchi C, Manuale di Parassitologia Veterinaria, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana (2010).
Teaching methods
the course takes place in 18 hours of theoretical frontal teaching, with power point slides, and 6 hours of practical frontal teaching in the laboratory (for a total of 2 credits). The slides are considered an integral part of the teaching material. Non-attending students are reminded to check the teaching material available and the information provided by the teacher through the Elly platform.
Assessment methods and criteria
Students will be asked to prepare a Power Point presentation presenting a parasite of their choice (biology, morphology, biological cycle, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment), following the slides presented in class and integrating the presentation with a scientific article of their choice that has the selected parasite as focus (new vaccines, new molecular targets, identification of new mechanisms).
Final evaluation:
- quality of the graphic presentation: points 1-5
- quality and clarity of presentation: points 1-10
- quality of the chosen paper and ability to argue points 1-10
- ability to answer questions, curiosity, input into the post-presentation discussion together with the teacher: points 1-5
Other information
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