B0442 - Innovative Approach to the Diagnostics of Parasitic Diseases

Course contents

The course consists of two modules.

Module 1 (Prof. Monica Caffara): The module aims to provide students with a background on the main parasites of veterinary interest, with particular reference to molecular diagnostics with taxonomic, epidemiological and control applications. Moreover the module aims to provide students with the tools to carry out bioinformatics analyses (alignment, similarity search in biological databases, phylogeny etc.) applied to animal parasitology.

Module 2 (Dr. Perla Tedesco): The module aims to provide students with the tools for analyzing parasitological findings in light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. In particular, aspects relating to preparation, applications, potentials and limitations will be dealt with.

In particular, the module will cover: main sampling techniques, preservation methods and methods of transport / shipment of the sample in relation to the different types of microscopic analysis to be carried out; preparation of the parasitological sample for observation in light microscopy: clarification, methods of extemporaneous staining, creation of permanent preparations; morphometric analysis of parasites in light microscopy; applications of fluorescence microscopy in parasitology; sample preparation for observation in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission (TEM); outline of advanced methods in electron microscopy applied / applicable in parasitology.

Readings/Bibliography

Notes of lectures; scientific publications

Teaching methods

The lectures are planned in a classroom equipped with multimedia instruments (PC and video projector for PC), using the support of PowerPoint slides; while the practical lessons will be held in the computer room.

Assessment methods

The final examination is oral and will verify the theoretical and applicative knowledges of the student. Particularly positive will be evaluated the ability to move within the different topics and the achievement of an organic knowledge of the topics presented during the lessons.

The oral test consists of a first topic chosen by the student and a second question by the teacher, both included among the topics presented during the course.

Preparation on a very limited number of topics covered in the course and analytical skills that emerge only with the help of the teacher, expressed in an overall correct language (18-19).

Preparation on a limited number of topics covered in the course and ability to analyse only on purely executive matters, expression in correct language (20-24).

Preparation on a large number of topics covered in the course, ability to make autonomous choices of critical analysis, mastery of specific terminology (25-29).

Substantially exhaustive preparation on the topics addressed in the course, ability to make autonomous choices of critical analysis and connection, full mastery of specific terminology and capacity for argumentation and self-reflection (30-30L).

Teaching tools

The lectures take place in a classroom supplied with multimedia equipment (web-connected PC and PC video-projector), with powerpoint presentations

Office hours

See the website of Monica Caffara

See the website of Perla Tedesco