75764 - Parasitic Diseases of Aquatic Animals

Learning outcomes

After completion of the course, the student will know the major parasitic diseases of fish molluscs, and crustaceans, with particular focus on their taxonomy, morphology, life cycle, pathogenesis, and epidemiology and potential impact on public health. He will be able to properly approach the management of a parasitic disease in order to apply appropriate prevention and control measures. He will also acquire practical skills in diagnostic of parasitic diseases of aquatic animals.

Course contents

MODULE 1 – Parasitic Diseases of Fish - Andrea Gustinelli

The Module 1 on Parasitic Diseases of Fish consists of 44 hours of lectures and 16 hours of practical lessons.

The program is structured as follows:

Lectures:

General Part (18 hours)

• Introduction to Parasitology (4 hours)
• Concept of parasitic disease and the Biotic and Abiotic Factors influencing its development (6 hours)
• Epidemiology of Fish Parasites based on Farming System; Biosecurity planning (4 hours)
• Host/parasite interaction and health impact (4 hours)

Special Section (30 hours):

Etiopathogenesis, clinical and pathological aspects, epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention, and control of fish parasitic diseases

• Protozoan Diseases (12 hours)
• Metazoan Diseases (16 hours)
• Fungal Diseases (2 hours)

Practical Lectures/Exercises (16 hours):

• General diagnostic approach on farmed fish (4 hours)
• Parasitological diagnosis on farmed marine fish (4 hours)
• Parasitological diagnosis on farmed freshwater fish (4 hours)
• Parasitological diagnosis of fish-borne zoonotic parasites (4 hours)

MODULE 2 – Parasitic Diseases of Crustaceans and Molluscs – Perla Tedesco

The module of Parasitic Diseases of Crustaceans and Molluscs consists of 16 hours of theoretical lessons and 4 hours of practical lessons.

Theoretical part (16 hours)

• Introduction to parasitic diseases of shellfish (2 hours)
• Diseases sustained by protozoa (4 hours)
• Metazoan diseases (2 hours)
• Introduction to parasitic diseases of crustaceans (2 hours)
• Diseases sustained by protozoa (2 hours)
• Zoonosis by Paragonimus spp. (2 hours)
• Fungal diseases (2 hours)

Practical lessons/exercises (4 hours):

• Parasitological diagnosis on commercially important molluscs (2 hours)
• Parasitological diagnosis on crustaceans (2 hours)

Readings/Bibliography

The teaching materials for this course are available on the Virtuale Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en).

Supplementary reading

Fish Diseases and Disorders. Vol I. Protozoan and Metazoan Infections (2006), Ed. P.T.K. Woo, CAB Intern., Wallingford, UK.

Fish parasites. Pathobiology and Protection (2011), Eds. P.T.K. Woo & K Buchmann, CABI, Wallingford, UK.

Diagnosis and control of diseases of fish and shellfish (2017), 37-107.

Handbook of pathogens and diseases in cephalopods (2019), Eds Gesta et al., Springer Open, 10.1007/978-3-030-11330-8

Teaching methods

The course includes both theoretical lectures and practical/laboratory sessions.

The course is split into two modules: Parasitic Diseases of Fish (60 hours) and Parasitic Diseases of Crustaceans and Molluscs (20 hours)

Parasitic Disease of fish:

General part: Introduction to parasitology - Essential terminology in parasitology - Definition of host/parasite relationships with particular reference to aquatic organisms and the aquatic environment - Abiotic and biotic factors influencing the occurrence of parasitic infections in aquatic animals, especially in confined environments - Biological cycle of parasitic agents belonging to different taxa and factors conditioning or limiting the different phases of the cycle - Pathogenic effects of parasites: general concepts on the damage caused to the host by parasitic agents - Fish-borne parasitic zoonoses - Taxonomic approach to parasites treated during the course.

Special part: Etio-pathogenesis, clinical and anatomopathological aspects, epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention and control of parasitic diseases of fish: Parasitic diseases by protozoans (Flagellates, Ciliates, Amoebas, Coccidia) - Parasitic diseases by Myxozoa - Parasitic diseases by flatworms (Monogenea, Digenea, Cestoda) - Parasitic diseases by roundworms (Nematoda, Acanthocephala), Parasitic diseases by Crustacea - Fungal diseases (Saprolegniosis, Microsporidiosis)

Parasitic Diseases of Crustaceans and Molluscs:

Parasitic diseases of crustaceans - Microsporidiosis, Aphanomicosis or Crayfish Plague and other fungal diseases. Zoonotic parasites of crustaceans (Paragonimus spp.)

Parasitic diseases of bivalve molluscs and cephalopods - Bonamiosis, Marteiliosis, Perkinsosis, Haplosporidiosis, Coccidiosis in cephalopods, diseases by helminths and crustaceans.

The practical part includes laboratory activities aimed at conducting parasitological analyses on fish, molluscs and crustaceans during which students have the opportunity to identify, isolate, observe and recognize the parasitic agents treated during the course independently but under the constant supervision of the teachers and collaborators.

Considering the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance for this course requires the successful completion of Modules 1 and 2 via e-learning, and Module 3 on health and safety training in study environments. Information about the schedule and access to Module 3 is available in the dedicated section of the Degree Program website.

Participation in practical and laboratory sessions requires wearing a lab coat and appropriate footwear. Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), such as disposable latex gloves, will be provided as needed.

Assessment methods

The assessment of the learning of the Course "Parasitic diseases of aquatic animals" consists of 2 parts to be faced together as an oral exam:

1. The first part is dedicated to parasitic diseases of fish and consists of two questions: the first question is based on the iconographic identification of the parasitic disease, using images already projected during the course and chosen by the student from a list prepared by the teacher; the second question concerns a topic presented by the teacher during the course
2. The second part is dedicated to parasitic diseases of crustaceans and molluscs and consists of a question on topics presented by the teacher during the course.

The total number of questions is 3.

The whole exam takes about 40 minutes

The exam is considered passed if you have obtained a positive result in both parts.

The final grade is given by the weighted average between the mark expressed in thirtieths obtained by the student in the exam of parasitic diseases of fish and the mark expressed in thirtieths obtained by the student in the exam of parasitic diseases of crustaceans and molluscs.

The minimum score for passing the test is 18/30.

In the evaluation of the oral exam, the teacher refers to the following learning evaluation scale:

- Preparation on a very limited number of topics covered in the course and analytical skills that emerge only with the help of the teacher, expression in generally correct language → 18-22;

- Preparation on a limited number of topics covered in the course and ability to analyze autonomously only on purely executive issues, expression in correct language → 23-26;

- Preparation on a large number of topics covered in the course, ability to make autonomous choices of critical analysis, mastery of specific terminology → 27-29;

- Substantially exhaustive preparation on the topics covered in the course, ability to make autonomous choices of critical analysis and connection, full mastery of specific terminology and ability to argue and self-reflect → 30-30L.

The negative evaluation does not entail the attribution of a grade, but only a judgment (withdrawn or rejected) reported on the electronic report completed on AlmaEsami, therefore it does not affect the student's career.

The evaluations of the individual tests and the final grade of the exam will be published on the Virtual platform (https://virtuale.unibo.it/) of the recording teacher within 5 working days from the date of the exam.

The student can refuse the grade, communicating it to the recording teacher via e-mail within 5 working days.

The verbalizing teacher of this course is Andrea Gustinelli

Students can register for exam sessions through AlmaEsami (http://almaesami.unibo.it/). Exams are proposed within the windows shown in the teaching calendar. Additional exam sessions are reserved for students who are not on track with the prescribed course.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities: it is recommended to contact the responsible University office in good time (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it/per-studenti ). It will be the responsibility of the student concerned to propose any adaptations, which must in any case be submitted, 15 days in advance, to the approval of the teacher, who will evaluate the opportunity also in relation to the educational objectives of the course.

With regard to the learning assessment, the use of AI is prohibited. Any use of AI constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

Theoretical lessons are provided in a fully equipped classroom with a PC connected to the internet and to a video projector, using PowerPoint slides or similar software.

Practical lessons, held in a fully equipped teaching laboratory, are performed with the the constant presence of the instructor and his/her assistants alongside the students, providing introductory and explanatory explanations. Biosafety measures in a parasitology laboratory will be explained and applied during all practical activities. Each practical activity is carried out by the student and discussed with the teacher and assistants.

If students have difficulty understanding the teaching material, the teacher is available to meet with them for a clarification meeting by making an appointment via email.

Office hours

See the website of Andrea Gustinelli

See the website of Perla Tedesco