Learning outcomes
The main objective of the course is to provide the students with an in-depth knowledge of the most important parasitic diseases, as models to give a general picture of the discipline and to learn the main principles of parasitological diagnostics.
Course contents
The first part of the course will introduce the basic concepts of parasitology with a focus on the main etiopathogenetic mechanisms. The endosymbiotic theory, the host/parasite relationships and the evolution of parasitism will then be discussed. The central part of the course will describe the main parasitic diseases caused by arthropod-borne protozoa (Genera: Leishmania, Tripanosoma, Plasmodium, etc.) and by oro-fecal transmitted protozoa (amoebae, flagellates of the digestive and urinary tracts, ciliates). The diseases caused by flatworms will be described, with a specific focus on Fasciola, Schistosoma, Diphyllobotrium, Taenia and Echinococcus. Furthermore, the main species of human pathogenic roundworms will be described, such as Filarioidea and parasites of the genera Ascaris, Ancylostoma, Necator, Strongyloides, Trichinella, Toxocara and Enterobius. The final part of the course will be focused on the main species of arthropod parasites and vectors, discussing the potential applicative consequences of innovative integrated control approaches. The course will include practical laboratory sessions.
Università di Pavia - Offerta formativa