Parasitology and Parasitological Analyses

Recommended Prerequisites

Immunology, Biochemistry, Physiopathology, Molecular biology, Microbiology  

Teaching Methods

The lectures are not compulsory and are based on the classical model of knowledge transmission, supported on electronic presentations, illustrative of the syllabus. During classes, questions are raised in order to encourage student participation, to assess the understanding of the subjects and develop the interaction between teacher and student. The laboratory classes are compulsory and continuous assessment methodology is implemented. The lesson plans, identifying the activities that will be developed, and educational material support (tutorial type) are provided in advance to students.

Learning Outcomes

The course of Parasitology and Parasitological Analysis aims to study parasites and parasitic diseases highlighting the causes and consequences, the host-parasite relationships, the pathogenesis, the symptoms and diagnosis, as well the epidemiology, prevention and therapy.

It is intended that student:

- Acquire knowledge in the classification of major groups of parasites of medical importance: protozoa, helminths and arthropods;

- Gain knowledge about the geographical distribution of parasites;

- Describe the life cycle of each parasite and its implications on the transmission and dissemination;

- Acquire skills in the control and prevention of parasitic diseases;

- Discuss the clinically processes associated with each of the pathogenic parasites;

- Gain knowledge about the importance of emergent and opportunistic parasitic diseases;

- Acquire skills in diagnostic and treatment of parasitic diseases.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Introduction to Parasitology: parasitism, parasite and host; carrier and reservoir; location of parasites; host specificity; life cycles and routes of transmission.

2. Host-parasite interactions: pathogenesis and virulence; immunity to parasitic protozoa and helminths; immunopathology; immune evasion.

3. Protozoa belonging to Phylum Sarcomastigophora and Phylum Apicomplexa: study of morphology, biology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control.

4. Helminths belonging to Phylum Plathyhelminthes and Phylum Nemathelmintes: study of morphology, biology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control.

5. Anti-protozoan and anti-helminths drugs: mechanisms of action and resistance.

6. Laboratory methods applied to parasitological diagnosis: direct methods, concentration techniques, cultures, immunological and molecular methods.

Head Lecturer(s)

Maria do Céu Rodrigues de Sousa

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Mini Tests: 10.0%
Laboratory work or Field work: 15.0%
Exam: 75.0%

Bibliography

David T. John, and William A. Petri, “Markell & Voge´s  Medical Parasitology 2013, 9ª ed., Elsevier.

Luís Rey  “Bases da Parasitologia Médica” 2011, 3ª ed., Guanabara Koogan S.A.

Male, D., Brostoff, J., Roth, D. B. and I. Roitt “Roitt´s Essential Immunology” 2011, 12ª ed. Elsevier Mosby

Patrick R. Murray, Ken S. Rosenthal, and Michael A. Pfaller “Medical Microbiology” 2013, 7ª ed. Elsevier Mosby.

 

htpp://www.dpd.cdc.gov/dpdx/

http://www.who.int/es/

http://www.who.int/tdr/en/