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Fight against parasitosis

Objectives

After this unit, students should be able to:
1. To introduce concepts of control, elimination and eradication of parasitic diseases.
2. To characterize the basic components supporting control programs of parasitic diseases: i) treatment and prophylaxis; ii) vector and intermediate host; iii) health education and community engagement.
3. Describe the tools available for control and address new strategies in experimental development, namely: i) antiparasitic vaccines; ii) genetically modified vectors.
4. To identify the main obstacles to the success of control programs, particularly concerning implementation and sustainability.

General characterization

Code

1290011

Credits

2

Responsible teacher

João Pinto

Hours

Weekly - 2,5

Total - 24,5

Teaching language

Portuguese

Prerequisites

Attendance of 75% of scheduled classes

Bibliography

• Molyneux, D.H. (Ed.) (2006). Control of human parasitic diseases. London, UK. Elsevier Academic Press.
• Cook, G.C., and Zumla, A. (Eds.) (2013). Manson’s Tropical Diseases. 22nd Edition. London, UK: Saunders Elsevier Science, Health Division.
• World Health Organization (2005). Guidelines for laboratory and field testing of mosquito larvicides. WHO/CDS/WHOPES/GCDPP/2005.13
• World Health Organization (2013). Guidelines for laboratory and field testing of long-lasting insecticidal mosquito nets. WHO/HTM/NTD/WHOPES/2013.1htm

Teaching method

Teaching of this course will be based on the lecturing method, translated into 7 theoretical lessons; the demonstrative method, with two laboratory practical classes; and a Seminar given by the students where the active and interrogative methods will be applied. There will also be tutorial sessions to support student’s autonomous study and seminar preparation.

Evaluation method

Student evaluation will be based on two elements: student performance in the seminar class (weighting factor: 0.6), and a theoretical written exam consisting of 20 multiple choice questions and a development question (weighting factor: 0.4). Approval to the course implies: i) a minimum class attendance of 75%; obtaining a final mark of 10 points (out of a maximum of 20 points).

Subject matter

I. The global burden of parasitic diseases.
II. Fundamental concepts and organizational aspects of control programs.
III. Parasite control: prophylaxis and treatment.
IV. Control of intermediate hosts.
V. Vector control.
VI. Demonstration of vector control tools: larval control with Bti.
VII. Monitoring of the residual effect of insecticides: cone assays on insecticide treated nets.
VIII. Community education programs.
IX. New control tools: vaccines and transgenic vectors.