Parasitology

Course Code:

7061-7062


Semester:

7th Semester

Weekly Teaching hours:

6

Credits:

3

eClass Link:

https://bisc.uniwa.gr/course/parasitologia/

Course Tutors

Chrysanthi Vogiatzaki, Anna Koliopoulou, John Pouris

 

The course aims at familiarizing students with the basic principles of biology of parasites and parasitic diseases. The lectures focus on the classification and terminology of parasites, the life cycle of parasites their transmission ways. Moreover, the geographical distribution and epidemiology, the treatment and prevention of parasitic diseases as well as the clinical symptoms are being described. Furthermore, emphasis is given on the arthropod chapter (morphology, biology, ways to control). Emerging issues such as the rise in parasitic infections in Greece due to migration of populations, the emergence of new parasites, antigenic interference of parasites and resistance to antiparasitic drugs, the emergence of parasitic infections in immunosuppressive patients, the incidence of parasitic infections in immunosuppressive patients, the interaction of parasite-host disease and research to create vaccines are thoroughly explained so that students have up-to-date information and integrated knowledge of the subject.  Finally, an important purpose of the course is the proper execution of diagnostic methods for the detection and identification of parasites by conventional microscopic methods, improved serodiagnostic techniques and molecular detection methods for parasitic DNA / RNA.

Course Outline

Upon successful completion of the course the students will be able to:

  • Understand and describe in detail the life cycles of parasites, pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of parasitic diseases
  • Know and embed the knowledge about the host-parasite relationship, biology, ways of controlling vectors, intermediates and final parasite hosts
  • Know significant morphological characteristics for the identification of species and parasites’ life stage
  • Perform laboratory classic diagnostic methods in order to detect parasites in biological fluids, tissues and organs
  • Acquire specialized skills in advanced diagnostic molecular and immunological methods
  • Present and interpret the diagnostic results
  • Project planning and management