General Vector-borne diseases

Modules
4 ECTS Credits
English

About the course

General information

In this module, a selection of four different (non-tick) vector borne disease models that are relevant in a ‘One-health’ context, will be highlighted: animal African trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, fascioliasis, and Rift Valley fever. Emphasis will be put on the general biology of the pathogen and its interaction with the host (animal, human and vector), the epidemiology / transmission dynamics, diagnosis and the control of the disease.

Learning objectives

Understand a vector-borne disease and the role of the host reservoir on parasite transmission
Understand and appraise control strategies for vector-borne diseases
Understand the biology, epidemiology and control of the four vector borne diseases mentioned and understand the rationale of a global strategy to control these diseases.
Understand the parasite biology in the mammalian host, the insect vector and the transmission dynamics in order to identify the possible methodologies for lab diagnosis and treatment of selected diseases
Explain the following concepts related to vector-pathogen-host biology: pathogen cycle, vectorial capacity, mechanical and biological transmission
Identify the main factors that affect vector-borne transmission and describe risk groups and exposure risks

Course Coordinator(s)

Jan Van Den Abbeele