Schistosomoses

Objectives

After this unit, students should be able to:
1. Relate the etiological agents of schistosomiasis, their developmental stages and the induced pathology in humans.
2. Understand the host-parasite-environmental dynamics in the scope of schistosomiasis expansion.
3. Be aware of bioinformatics application tools in schistosome research.
4. Select and apply molecular methods in the diagnosis of schistosomiasis.
5. Consider preventive measures in the emerging scenario of drug-resistant schistosmes.
6. Intervening factors in the epidemiology and transmission of helminths.
7. Propose the adequate measures for planning and monitoring a schistosomiasis control programme.

General characterization

Code

1290015

Credits

2

Responsible teacher

Silvana Belo

Hours

Weekly - Se a UC for oferecida como opcional, o horário será disponibilizado no 2º semestre

Total - 31

Teaching language

English and Portuguese

Prerequisites

Not applicable

Bibliography

• Akinwale OP, Hock TT, Chia‑Kwung F, Zheng Q , Haimo S, Ezeh C, Pam V Gyang PV (2015). Differentiating Schistosoma haematobium from Schistosoma magrebowiei and other closely related schistosomes by polymerase chain reaction amplification of a species specific mitochondrial gene. Tropical Parasitology, 4:3842.
• Enk MJ, Oliveira e Silva G, Rodrigues NB. (2012). Diagnostic accuracy and applicability of a PCR system for the detection of Schistosoma mansoni DNA in human urine samples from an endemic area. PLoS One. 7(6):e38947.
• Gray DJ, Ross AG, YueSheng L, McManus DP (2012). Diagnosis and management of schistosomiasis. Clinical Review. BMJ 2011;342: d2651 doi: 10.1136/bmj.d2651
• Rokni MB. (2012). Schistosomiasis. 310p. www.intechopen.com/books/schistosomiasis
• Wang W, Wang L, Liang YS.(2012). Susceptibility or resistance of praziquantel in human schistosomiasis: a review. Parasitol Res. 111(5):18717.

Teaching method

Lectures
Theoretical-practical training classes
Laboratorial practical sessions
Tutorial supervision
Seminar
Autonomous work

Evaluation method

Continuous evaluation based on class frequency (10%) and active participation in lab work and group sessions. Seminar (40%).
Written report, with circa 2000 words (except graphs and reference list) 50%.

Subject matter

I. Schistosomiasis: etiological agents, geographical distribution and impact on public health.
II. Host-parasite interaction and epidemiological intervention factors.
III. Pathology and treatment.
IV. Bioinformatics tools for characterization of schistosome isolates.
V. Schistosomiasis diagnosis through conventional and molecular methods.
VI. Resistance to infection and to schistosomicide drugs.
VII. Preventive and control measures.

Programs

Programs where the course is taught: