Class Clinical Diagnosis and Research in Veterinary Parasitology

The CU of Clinical Diagnosis and Research in Veterinary Parasitology consists of collecting biological samples directly from animals or the environment for clinical diagnosis, using several laboratory techniques considered essential for the detection of parasitic agents, and these competences are also useful for those students who want to develop scientific work in the area of parasitological research in Veterinary Medicine.

Not applicable

1 – Collection and conservation of biological samples and parasitic specimens. 2 – Coprological diagnostic techniques: fluctuation, sedimentation, Baermann, McMaster, etc. 3 – Haematological and cytological diagnostic techniques: blood smear, fresh drop, Knott’s techniques, acid phosphatase, thick smear, fine needle aspiration puncture and apposition smear. 4 – Serological diagnostic techniques: indirect immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). 5 – Molecular diagnostic techniques: extraction, purification and amplification of nucleic acids, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), electrophoresis, sequencing and analysis of nucleotide sequences, alignment and phylogeny. 6 – Dermatological (skin scraping, scotch tape) and urinary diagnostic tests. 7 – Preparation of parasitic specimens for observation under an optical microscope, using clarifying solutions. 8 – Use of dichotomous keys. 9 – Fecal egg count reduction test and resistance to acaricides.  

Teaching methodologies include moments of theoretical nature (T) and laboratory practice (PL). In the first ones, subjects related to laboratorial diagnostic techniques in Veterinary Parasitology will be taught. In the second ones, students will reproduce what they learned in T classes. The flipped classroom pedagogical technique may be used. The evaluation will be carried out through a group work, covering sample collection and the most common laboratory diagnostic techniques in Veterinary Parasitology. Approval is obtained with a minimum grade of 9.5 points.

Zajac, A.M., Conboy, G.A., Little, S.E. & Reichard, M.V. (2021). Veterinary Clinical Parasitology, (9th Ed.). New Jersey: Wiley-Blackwell. Garda, L.S. (2021). Practical Guide to Diagnostic Parasitology, (3rd Ed.). Washington, DC: Wiley. Deplazes, P., Eckert, J., Mathis, A., von Samson-Himmelstjerna, G. & Zahner, H. (2016). Parasitology in Veterinary Medicine. Wageningen: Academic Publishers. Hendrix, C.M. & Robinson, E. (2012). Diagnostic Parasitology for Veterinary Technicians, (4th Ed.). Missouri: Elsevier Bowman, D.D. (2014). Georgis’ Parasitology For Veterinarians, (10th Ed.). New York: Elsevier.