To highlight the consequences of the parasite phenomenon on the evolution in general, the specificity of host-parasite relations, the morphological, physiological and ecological adaptations, as well as those on the synchronization of the activity and development cycle.
Main themes
The different subjects of the course are : medical and economical importance of parasites, biological coevolution of parasites and hosts, main cycles of parasites including the aspects of epidemiology, ecological level of parasite phenomenon, parasitology applied to control of dangerous populations. These phenomenons are illustrated by examples chosen in the main groups of parasites : Protozoans, Helminths, Arthropods and occasionnaly the Vertebrates.
Content and teaching methods
The parasiotology course (BIOL2272) is given in the English language. The course deals with a number of major parasitic diseases of man and his domestic animals which are prevalent in tropical countries, such as trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness en Chagas' disease, leishmaniasis, malaria, babesiosis, schistosomiasis, and filariasis. For each disease the parasite's biologie, disease symptoms, the epidemiology, methods of treatment, available prophylaxis and the latest developments in parasitology research are being discussed. Practical excercises involve 2 full days of manipulations and demonstrations in the Brussels' laboratory of the the teacher.