Program Overview

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PARASSITOLOGY

CODE AND ACADEMIC YEAR

The course code is 52357, and the academic year is 2025/2026.

CREDITS AND DEGREE PROGRAMS

The course is worth 1 cfu and is part of the following degree programs:

• 4th year CHIMICA E TECNOLOGIA FARMACEUTICHE 8451 (LM-13) - GENOVA
• 4th year FARMACIA 8452 (LM-13) - GENOVA
• 5th year FARMACIA 8452 (LM-13) - GENOVA
• 3rd year CHIMICA E TECNOLOGIA FARMACEUTICHE 11674 (LM-13) - GENOVA
• 3rd year FARMACIA 11673 (LM-13) - GENOVA

SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINARY SECTOR AND LANGUAGE

The scientific disciplinary sector is MED/04, and the language of instruction is Italian.

TEACHING LOCATION AND SEMESTER

The teaching location is GENOVA, and the course is held during the 1ｰ Semester.

MODULES

This course is a module of OPTIONAL SUBJECTS.

TEACHING MATERIALS

Teaching materials are available on AULAWEB.

AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The main purpose of the course is to provide basic knowledge on general Parasitology and host-parasite interactions of protozoa, trematodes, nematodes, and ectoparasites. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Morphologically recognize the species or groups of greatest parasitological interest
• Know the pathologies caused by the main agents infesting humans
• Acquire knowledge of preventive and therapeutic strategies to contain/cure parasite infestations

TEACHING METHODS

Teaching is organized in frontal lessons for a total of 8 hours. During periods of meteorological or health emergency, lessons are held remotely using the TEAMS platform. Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disorders (DSA) or disabilities are invited to contact the teacher to agree on any teaching methods that take into account individual learning methods.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course covers the field of study of Parasitology, including:

• Adaptation to parasitic life
• Pathways of transmission of parasites to humans
• Action of the parasite on the host
• Host reaction to the parasite
• Mechanisms of the parasite to evade the host defense systems
• Protozoa infestations (Leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis, amebiasis, giardiasis, trichomoniasis, toxoplasmosis, malaria)
• Fluke infestations (schistosomiasis, fascioliasis, dystomiasis, diphyllobothriasis, teniasi, hydatidosis)
• Nematode infestations (strongyloidosis, hookworm, oxyuriasis, ascaridosis, tricuriasis, filariasis, onchocerciasis, trichinellosis, anisakidosis)
• Ectoparasitic infestations (ticks and Lyme disease)

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Teaching material and slides used during the lessons are available on Aulaweb. Additional bibliography information will be provided by the teacher at the beginning of the lessons.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

The teacher for this course is CINZIA MARIA DOMENICOTTI. The exam board consists of:

• BRUNO TASSO (President)
• ELEONORA RUSSO (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Parasitology lessons begin at the end of the first semester, generally in mid-January.

CLASS SCHEDULE

The timetable for this course is available on the Portale EasyAcademy.

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of an oral interview on the general parasitology part and on a topic chosen from among the human parasitic diseases explained in class. Two exam sessions will be available during the winter period, one session during Easter holidays, three sessions during the summer, and two during the autumn period.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Details on how to prepare for the exam and the level of depth of each topic will be provided during the lessons. The oral exam will focus on the discussion of the topics related to the program, and the teacher will verify whether the student has achieved the aims and learning outcomes.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students can ask the professor for additional information not included in the teaching schedule.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

This course contributes to the achievement of Good Health and Well-being, one of the Sustainable Development Goals outlined in the Agenda 2030.