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
Intro to parasitology
Protozoa:Toxoplasma gondii
Helminths: Filarioidea
Artropoda: ticks
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
The student will be asked to create a 10-15 minute power point presentation in which they will have to describe the biology of a parasite chosen from those presented in class, deepening the associated pathology, the diagnostic techniques available today and the classical therapy applied. . In addition to this, the student will have to investigate independently (on the basis of what was presented in class) any new alternative therapeutic approaches being studied (for example: new vaccines, essential oils, etc.).
Other information
- - -
