Parasitic Diseases II

The students of the discipline of Parasitic Diseases II will acquire a broad understanding of the causes, nature, mechanisms of transmission, pathogenic action, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control of the main protozooses and arthropodoses affecting animals, both individually and collectively. The latter is especially important since parasitic diseases are among the most common pathological processes in veterinary medicine. Moreover, the knowledge gained in the study of this subject is essential to control both zoonoses and other notifiable diseases. Similarly, the study of this discipline is essential to establish suitable Animal Health and Veterinary Public Health programs that public administration institutions must develop and implement to maintain and improve the health status of Spanish livestock and human health.


General objectives of the discipline

Objective 1. Identification of the clinical signs and lesions of the main diseases caused by parasitic protozoa and arthropoda in animals; to establish a correct differential diagnosis based on clinical records, physical examination of the animal, epidemiological factors and laboratory results.

Objective 2. Identification of risk factors associated with the appearance of protozoosis and arthropodosis in individual or grouped animals, including related to the environment and biosecurity.

Objective 3. To decide the samples to be taken and the laboratory techniques to be done based on clinical signs. How to properly refer samples to the laboratory; preparation of reports.

Objective 4. Application of the basic biosecurity standards in taking and handling suspicious samples in the field, the necropsy room, the slaughterhouse or the laboratory.

Objective 5. To know, select and prescribe treatments and, where appropriate, immunizations in order to achieve a control of the parasitic infections studied. Interactions, contraindications and side effects of different treatment protocols must be taken into account, just as the problem of drug resistance.

Objective 6. Design of epidemiological studies and health programs against the main parasitic diseases caused by protozoa and arthropoda.

THEORICAL PROGRAM

1.- PART I. PROTOZOOSES
Leishmaniosis (2 hours)
Trichomonosis, histomonosis and giardiosis (1.5 hours)
Coccidiosis (eimeriosis and cystoisosporosis) (1.5 hours)
Cryptosporidiosis (1.5 hours)
Besnoitiosis (0.5 hours)
Toxoplasmosis, neosporosis and sarcocystosis (3 hours)
Babesiosis and theileriosis (2 hours)
2.- PART II. ARTHROPODOSES
Sarcoptic, psoroptic, notoedric and chorioptic mange of domestic animals. (1 hour)
Demodectic mange. (1 hour)
Tick infestation (Ixodidae and Argasidae). Vector role. (1 hour)
Flea infestation. Vector role. (1.5 hours)
Infestation by lice, dermanyssidae, cheyletiella, etc. Vector role. (0.5 hours)
Myiasis of domestic animals: gasterophilosis, oestrosis, hypodermosis. (2.5 hours)
Other traumatic myiasis with economic and health implications. (0.25 hours)
Other diptera (mosquitoes, horseflies, etc.). Vector role. (0.25 hours)
3.- PART III. OTHER PARASITOSES
Parasitic diseases of bees. (3.5 hours)
Parasitic diseases of fish. (1.5 hours)


PRACTICAL PROGRAM
The practical sessions will consist of 5 sessions distributed as follows:

1.- EPAR II. C1. Identification of protozoan oocysts: Identification of coccidia species (Eimeria spp and Cystoisospora spp.) after sporulation. Detection of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts by using both negative (Heine) and acid-fast stained smears (Ziehl-Neelsen). (3 hours). Location: Laboratory Pavilion 1, First floor.
2.- EPAR II. C2. Ectoparasite control program in cattle: external examination of animals and collection of skin and hair samples for macroscopic and microscopic examination and identification of ectoparasites. (4 hours). Location: Campus Terra Farm.
3.- EPAR II. C3. Deworming Program: Assessment of coprological and external examination results. Application of deworming treatments. (4 hours). Location: Campus Terra Farm.
4.- EPAR II.C4. Identification of blood parasites: Methods for the identification of blood protozoa (Babesia spp. Theileria spp., Trypanosoma spp., Leishmania spp.). Techniques for the diagnosis of microfilariae. (3 hours). Location: Laboratory Pavilion 1, First floor.
5.- EPAR II.C5. Identification of ecto- and endoparasites of bees and fish: Techniques for detection of Nosema spp. and Acarapis spp. in bees. Identification of Varroa on larvae and adult bees.Techniques for the diagnosis of fish parasites. (2 hours). Location: Laboratory Pavilion 1, First floor.

In each practice session (3 hours), the students will learn and perform the most common techniques used for parasitological diagnosis and its application to clinical cases. In practical lessons EPAR II C2 and EPAR II C3, the trip to the farm and the change of clothes and shoes will take approximately 60 minutes. The different procedures, including samplings and application of antiparasitic treatments, will be performed, whenever possible, on live animals (using non-invasive procedure) or their carcasses on farms or establishments in which students will develop an active work.

-Basic bibliography
BOWMAN, D.D. e LYNN, R.C. (2011). Georgis Parasitología para veterinarios. Ed. Elsevier.
CORDERO, M. e col. (1999). Parasitología Veterinaria. Ed. McGraw-Hill Interamericana.
DEPLAZES, P. e col. (2016). Parasitology in Veterinary Medicine. Wageningen Academic Publishers.
FRONTERA, E. e col. (2009). Patología parasitaria porcina en imágenes. Ed. SERVET.
SÁNCHEZ ACEDO, C. e col. (2003). Enfermedades parasitarias del ganado ovino y caprino. Ed. GEA.
TAYLOR, M.A. e col. (2013). Veterinary Parasitology. Ed. Wiley-Blackwell.
URQUHART, G.M. e col. (2001). Parasitología Veterinaria. Ed. Acribia, Zaragoza.
VALCÁRCEL, F. e col. (2009). Atlas de Parasitología ovina. Ed. SERVET.
WALL, R. e SHEARER, D. (2001). Veterinary Ectoparasites: biology, pathology and control.

-Complementary bibliography
DÍAZ, P. e MORRONDO, P. (2012). Unidade didáctica 7: Parasitación por carrachas (ixodidose e argasidose), pulgas e piollos. Servizo de Publicacións da USC.
DÍAZ, P. e MORRONDO, P. (2013). Unidade Didáctica 6:Sarna sarcóptica, psoróptica e corióptica dos animais domésticos. Demodicose. Servizo de Publicacións da USC.
DIEZ-BAÑOS, P. e DÍAZ, P. (2012). Unidade Didáctica 3: Coccidiose de aves e mamíferos e criptosporidiose. Servizo de Publicacións da USC.
DIEZ-BAÑOS, P. e DÍAZ, P. (2013). Unidade Didáctica 2: Trichomonose bovina e aviar, histomonose e xiardiose. Servizo de Publicacións da USC.
DIEZ-BAÑOS, P. e DÍAZ, P. (2016). Unidade Didáctica 4: Toxoplasmose, neosporose e sarcocistose. Servizo de Publicacións da USC.
DUBEY, J.P. (2012). Toxoplasmosis of Animals and Humans. Ed. CRC Press.
FAYER, R. e XIAO, L. (2008): Cryptosporidium and cryptosporidiosis. Ed. CRC Press.
HIDE, G. e col. (1997). Trypanosomiasis and Leishmaniasis: Biology and Control. CAB International.
LATIF, A.A. e WALKER, A.R. (2004). An introduction to the biology and control of ticks in Africa. ICTTD.
LONG, P.L. (1990). Coccidiosis of man and domestic animals. Ed. CRC Press.
PANADERO, R. e DÍAZ, P. (2011). Unidade didáctica 8: Miases dos animais de renda. Servizo de Publicacións da USC.
PANADERO, R. e LÓPEZ-SÁNDEZ, C. (2012). Unidade didáctica 9: Enfermidades parasitarias das abellas. Servizo de Publicacións da USC.
REMESAR, S. e DIAZ FERNÁNDEZ, P. (2022). Unidade didáctica 5: Piroplasmoses (babesiose e teileriose). Servizo de Publicacións da USC.
REMESAR, S. e DIAZ FERNÁNDEZ, P. (2022). Unidade didáctica 1: Leishmaniose canina. Servizo de Publicacións da USC
SOLANO-GALLEGO, L. e col. (2011). LeishVet guidelines for the practical management of canine leishmaniosis. Parasites & Vectors, 4:86.

-Web pages:
www.leishvet.info/
https://instruction.cvhs.okstate.edu/JCFOX/HTDOCS/CLINPARA/Index.htm
www.engormix.com/control_prevencion_coccidiosis_medidas_s_articulos_998…
www.ars.usda.gov/Main/site_Main.htm?mode

General skills
GVUSC01. Ability to learn and adapt.
GVUSC02. Capacity for analysis and synthesis.
GVUSC03. General knowledge of the work area.
GVUSC05. Ability to apply knowledge in practice.
GVUSC06. Ability to work independently and in teams.
GVUSC09. Ability to communicate in different areas.
GVUSC10. Ethical commitment and accountability.

Discipline specific competencies
CEDVUSC 05. Basic and applied principles of the immune response.
CEDVUSC 07. Knowledge of alterations in the structure and function of the animal organism.
CEDVUSC 08. Knowledge and diagnosis of various animal diseases, individual and collective, and its prevention, with special emphasis on zoonoses and notifiable diseases.
CEDVUSC 09. The general elements of medical and surgical treatments.
CEDVUSC 15. Know the rights and duties of the veterinarian, with special emphasis on ethical principles.

Specific professional Skills
D1VUSC 01. Make history and clinical examination of animals.
D1VUSC 02. Collect and send specimens with the corresponding reports.
D1VUSC 03. Perform basic analytical techniques and interpreting results of clinical, biological and chemical.
D1VUSC 04. Diagnose the most common diseases, using protocols and additional diagnostic techniques.
D1VUSC 07. Perform basic medical and surgical treatments in animals.
D1VUSC 08. Prescribe, manage and properly manage veterinary medicines.
D1VUSC 17. Perform technical reports specific to veterinary skills.

Specific Academic Skills
CEAVUSC 01. Analyze, synthesize, solve problems and make decisions in the professional field of the veterinarian.
CEAVUSC 02. Maintain ethical conduct in the exercise of its responsibilities to the veterinary profession and society.
CEAVUSC 03. Disclose information obtained during the work experience in a fluent , oral and written exposition with colleagues, authorities and society in general
CEAVUSC 04. Find and manage information related to the activity of the veterinarian.
CEAVUSC 05. Know and apply the scientific method in professional practice including evidence-based medicine.
CEAVUSC 06. Knowing how to find professional advice and assistance.
CEAVUSC 08. Being aware of the need to maintain current knowledge, skills and attitudes of professional skills through a process of lifelong learning.

Transversal competences
CTVUSC01 capacity for reasoning and argumentation.
CTVUSC 02 Ability to obtain adequate information, diverse and updated by various means such as bibliographic information and the Internet, and analyze it critically.
CTVUSC 03 Ability to develop and present an organized and understandable text.
CTVUSC 04 Ability to make a public display in a clear, coherent and concise.
CTVUSC 05 Skill in managing TICs.
CTVUSC 07 Ability to solve problems through the integrated application of knowledge.

The contents of this discipline include:

Exhibition sessions:
-Theoretical classes:
They are mandatory expository-interrogative master classes that will be developed in the classroom to a complete group. They will last 50 minutes. Classes will be held based on multimedia presentations and will cover the contents of the program: original written content and graphic material will be screened. Students will have access to a summary of these topics through the virtual campus. Dispensation to this docent activity is not applicable.

-Seminars (EPAR II S1-S3 G1-G4):
They are complementary activities based on the resolution of clinical cases or on the exposition of issues about different aspects of special interest related to artropodoses and protozooses that affect domestic and wild animals, as well as parasitoses affecting exotic animals, bees, and fishes. They will be taught by academic staff, veterinary professionals or by students who voluntarily prepare a seminar. They will be carried out in the classrooms of the school.

-Tutorials (EPAR II T1 G1-G12):
It will be a group tutoring scheduled in the official calendar and which will be carried out in the classroom at the beginning of the term. The aim of this tutorial is to present the subject and to explain the contents, methodology and evaluation of the subject as well as to resolve any doubts. Students can also arrange individual unscheduled tutorials at the established times, in which the students will have the opportunity to solve and consult all the doubts that arise during the theoretical or practical sessions, they will also be dedicated to the supervision of works and / or tasks proposals. These tutorials will be held at the professor´s office. In addition, students will have a virtual tutoring service to ask questions and ask questions or make comments about the teaching provided.

Interactive sessions:
-Clinical practices:
The practical contents of this subject will be developed in 5 sessions that will be carried out in the parasitological diagnosis laboratory (module 10 students/group) and in a cattle farm (Campus Terra Farm; module 7 students/group). During this sessions the students will learn to make a correct taking of samples (skin, hair, etc.), on which they will carry out the protocols and techniques that must be used, in each case, to be able to diagnose the main parasitic diseases included in the program of the subject, within which they are expected to occur in affected animals. Then, once the case history has been evaluated, the students will interpret the results obtained and prepare the appropriate reports. They will also analyse and interpret the results from the laboratory. Finally, treatment guidelines for each farm and/or individual patients will be established, as well as other control and prevention measures if needed. In the case of parasitic diseases that carry a risk of transmission to humans, as many measures as necessary to prevent their presentation will also be proposed.
Attendance at all practical sessions is compulsory. It is recommended that students prepare a memory including the most important issues of each session; it will be useful for studying the practical exam of the subject. Students who, having completed all the practices, did not pass, or failed to take the practical exam will not be required to repeat the practices in successive calls.

-Theoretical exam: The theoretical contents of the discipline are assessed by an on-site final exam that will be composed by 5-8 questions; each question can include different subsections. Each question is scored on a maximum of 10 points. To pass the exam the minimum grade shall be 5 out of 10, provided that the number of questions with scores less or equal to 3 out of 10 do not involve more than 40% of the questions. The score of the theoretical exam will be kept during the following academic years as long as the qualification achieved is equal to or higher than 6/10.

-Practical test: the evaluation of the practices will be made taking into account that the attendance is compulsory, as well as the participation and delivery of the tasks proposed by the teachers. A written test with 20 questions about contents developed in the practical sessions should be carried out. This test will be a simple answer test type (5 options, 1 correct; three incorrectly answered questions will subtract 1 correctly answered). To pass the practical test the mark will be equal to or greater than 50% of its value (5/10 points). The score of the practical exam will be kept during the following academic years as long as the qualification achieved is equal to or higher than 6/10.

-Continuous evaluation: It will take into account the average mark of the tests and tasks proposed by the teachers, as well as the participation of the student in the activities scheduled throughout the semester. At the end of each activity (theoretical classes, practices, seminars) questions or tests may be asked to assess the progression of learning on the contents taught during them. They will contribute to the final grade of the continuous evaluation. Number of tests planned for the academic year 2024-2025: protozoa (3-4 tests), arthropods (2-3 tests), bee parasites (1 test), seminars (1 test). All these activities will be done on-site in the classroom or in the laboratory during class or exam. No minimum grade is required in the continuous assessment in order to pass the subject.

Additionally, students can perform and present a voluntary work, which will be finished at the beginning of December and presented during seminar hours. Its contents will be assessed in a continuous assessment test that will be performed together with the theoretical and practical exams. The student who carries out this work will be able to add a maximum of 0.5 points to the final mark of the continuous assessment; the final mark of the continuous assessment will never exceed 2 points. The grade of the work will be retained in successive courses.

It is important to note that a minimum grade in the continuous assessment is not required to pass the subject. The grade of the continuous assessment will be kept during the following academic years.

On the basis of Instruction No. 1/2017 of the Secretary-General in this subject, no dispensation is granted, because assistance to all activities is required in person.

Final qualification of the student
Once the theoretical and practical tests have been completed, the final qualification of the student will include, in addition to the results of the theoretical (70%) and practical (10%) exams, the continuous evaluation (20%).
In the continuous evaluation, the average mark of the tests and tasks proposed by the teachers will be considered, as well as the student's participation in the activities programmed throughout the semester.
Those students who have not attended all the practices or who have not passed the practical exam will have a maximum of 4 in the final grade for the subject.

For cases of fraudulent performing exercises or tests shall apply the "Normativa de avaliación do rendemento académico dos estudantes e de revisión de cualificacións".

Non-individual work hours:
Expositive sessions: 25 hours
Clinics: 16 hours
Seminars: 3 hours
Tutorials: 1 hour

TOTAL HOURS: 45


Individual work hours:
Individual study: 40
Sustainability reporting practices: 5 hours
Preparation of work: 2,5 hours
Literature review, library: 5 hours
Attendance at lectures or other activities recommended: 2 hours
Resolution of cases / problems: 10 hours
Oral presentations: 1
Examinations: 2 hours

TOTAL CLASSROOM HOURS: 67.5

Total workload: 112.5 hours

Our experience leads us to recommend continued study of the subject, as well as to make outlines and summaries to help compare the different parasitic processes. In this way the student able to consolidate knowledge and avoid the confusions that arise when memorizing contents quickly and for the sole purpose of passing the theoretical exam. The knowledge of the parasite life-cycle is essential for understanding their epidemiology, pathogenesis as well as the optimal control measures.

It is essential to follow and participate actively in the practical sessions and the preparation of a report. The consultation of the works mentioned in the literature is recommended, with the aim of completing knowledge.

It also recommended that students expose their doubts arisen and use frequently the tutorial hours of the teachers responsible for this activity to become positive and complement their training.