66409 - Parasitology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student should be able to define and identify parasites, their life cycles, with vectors and hosts, sources of infection or infestation and mode of transmission of each parasite, geographical distribution, with a view of prevention and control of parasitic diseases.

Course contents

Definition of Parasite, Adaptation to Parasitic Life. Parasite-Men Contact. Method of Disease Transmission. Specificity of Vector-Parasite Relationships. Protozoa: Leishmania, Trypanosoma, Giardia, Trichomonas, Entamoeba, Isospora, Toxoplasma, Plasmodium, Babesia, Balantidium, Pneumocystis; Elminta: Schistosoma, Fasciola, Dicrocoelium, Diphyllobothrium, Dipylidium, Hymenolepis, Taenia, Echinococcus, Trichuris, Trichinella, Strongyloides, Ancylostoma, Necator, Ascaris, Toxocara, Anisakis, Enterobius, Dracunculus, Wuchereria, Brugia, Mansonella, Onchocerca, Loa, Macracanthorhynchus; Artropoda: Linguatula, Demodex, Ixodidae, Argasidae, Trombiculidae, Demodecidae, Sarcoptidae, Anoplura, Emiptera, Diptera, Afaniptera.

Readings/Bibliography

PowerPoint files of the lessons are available at the end of the course.

Suggested text:

De Carneri, 2004 Parassitologia generale e umana. A cura di C. Genchi e E. Pozio. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, XIII edizione.

Students are invited to update at the following web sites:

https://www.cdc.gov/

http://www.salute.gov.it/portale/salute/p1_4.jsp?lingua=italiano&area=Malattie_infettive

Teaching methods

The course consists of lectures and animal samples observation.

Assessment methods

Assessment through a final examination comprising an oral presentation/discussion of a scientific paper from a peer reviewed Journal and three oral questions on course topics.

Teaching tools

PC, video projector, preserved specimens.

Office hours

See the website of Marco Passamonti