82710 - TIROCINIO DI MALATTIE TRASMISSIBILI PARASSITARIE

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student is able to correctly approach the management of parasitoses (many of which are zoonoses) in animal organisms (hosts), both by applying basic diagnostic tools for the recognition of parasites and the clinical forms related to them (in pets, in the context of animal production and food safety), and by correctly assessing the consequences of the host/parasite/environment relationship for the purpose of rational management of animal parasites.

Course contents

Module 1: held by Roberta Galuppi.

a) Diagnosis and prophylaxis of parasitic diseases in companion animals with study or simulations of clinical cases or problem situations:

- application of the most common parasitological techniques for the diagnosis of parasitic diseases of companion animals

- Evaluation of anamnestic and clinical data relating to companion animals with suspected parasitosis; evaluation of laboratory results with reference to anamnestic and clinical data; approach to bibliographic research for specific in-depth studies; above all a prophylactic approach to parasitic management, response to the owners' FAQs and illustration of a recent scientific article on the selected topic

Module 2: held by Monica Caffara:

b) Diagnosis and prophylaxis of parasitic diseases of livestock with study or simulations of clinical cases or problem situations:

- application of the most common parasitological techniques for the diagnosis of parasitic diseases of farmed animals:

- Evaluation of the laboratory results with reference to the anamnestic, clinical and management aspects of the farming system in relation to the spread of parasites; approach to bibliographic research for specific in-depth studies; Setting up correct prophylaxis plans and health risk management to parasites in the farm, illustration of a recent scientific paper on the selected topic

Module 3: held by Andrea Gustinelli:

- Collective discussion of papers prepared by students on topics related to fish-borne parasitic zoonoses previously provided on “Virtuale” website.

- Application of diagnostic techniques for the search for fish-borne zoonotic parasites: - search and identification of helminths in freshwater fish species; - search and identification of Anisakidae nematodes in marine fish species; - application of molecular techniques for the identification of zoonotic parasites

Readings/Bibliography

Operational instructions relating to the most common parasitological laboratory techniques and bibliographic notes relating to parasitic zoonoses of fish origin will be made available to students on the “virtuale” website.

Teaching methods

Module 1, dedicated to pets, provides for a first phase of carrying out and in-depth analysis of the laboratory tests used for parasitological diagnosis in companion animals. A second part will be dedicated to the collective discussion of reports prepared by students in working groups, related to the evaluation of clinical cases (anamnestic data previously provided on “virtuale”), which will lead to the identification of a correct diagnostic and prophylactic approach to the management of parasitosis; to formulate a correct parasitological diagnostic report; to answer at the owners' FAQs and, finally, discussing a recent scientific article on the subject.

Module 2, dedicated to farmed animals, provides a first phase of carrying out and in-depth analysis of the laboratory tests used for parasitological diagnosis in farm animals. A second part will be dedicated to the collective discussion of reports prepared by students in working groups, related to the evaluation of parasitological aspects present in the farm (anamnestic data previously provided on “virtuale”), which leads to formulate a correct parasitological diagnostic report, to apply the knowledge related to the life cycle of parasites to identify a prophylactic approach and correct management of the parasitosis and, finally, to discuss a recent scientific article on the subject.

Module 3, dedicated to fish-borne parasitic zoonoses, foresees a first part of collective discussion with presentation by the students of an overview of the main zoonoses of fish origin (material previously provided on “virtuale”), and a second part relating to the practical application of diagnostic techniques for the detection of zoonotic fish parasites in marine and freshwater fish.

NB: Following the COVID 19 emergency, the activities may undergo changes, which will be promptly communicated, in accordance with the epidemiological situation

Assessment methods

Module 1 - Pets: presentation of the final report (with the help of a Power point) during the collective discussion.

Module 2 - Farm animals: presentation of the final report (with the help of a Power point) during the collective discussion.

Module 3 - Collective discussion on fish-borne parasitic zoonoses and coaching with the teacher during laboratory activities

The attendance at the internship will be ascertained by the staff who carried out the internship activity for each day of presence through call.

Teaching tools

Laboratories equipped for the realization of parasitological and / or molecular analysis, computer and projector

Office hours

See the website of Roberta Galuppi

See the website of Monica Caffara

See the website of Andrea Gustinelli