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
non
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
Intro to parassitologia
Protozoa
Mastigofora: Leishmania Giardia
Apicomplexa: Toxoplasma gondii
Elminti
Nematoda: Ascarioidea Filarioidea Trichinella sp
Cestoda: Taenia spp; Echinococcus spp
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
Students will be briefly introduced to the current use of molecular biology in the diagnosis and control of animal parasites and the most promising alternatives for sustainable control. Students will then be asked to solve problems in various settings.
Assessment methods and criteria
Students will be evaluated through interactive problem solving.
They will be offered three different "scenarios" and will be asked to illustrate the best means of paraiste diagnosis and control.
Each scenario is worth 10 points, for a total of thirty.
Other information
none
