B6253 - Cambiamento climatico e infezioni

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding Module 1 The module aims to acquaint students with the concepts of unique health and circular health and the activities of institutions working in this field globally. Students will acquire basic knowledge about health emergencies in socio-ecological systems with special reference to emerging and re-emerging and neglected zoonoses (Antropozoonosis, Zooanthroponosis, Amphizoonosis). Module 2 By the end of the course, the student will have acquired knowledge on the influence of climate change on the emergence of infections transmissible to humans, with a particular focus on vector-borne infections and environmental matrices Module 3 By the end of the course, the student will have an understanding of the impact of migration on the development and emergence of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance. The student will also gain knowledge of pandemic definition, prevention, and preparedness from a global perspective.

Course contents

1. Fungal infections. Global warming potentially may select environmental fungi that can adapt to live at temperatures close to those of the human body. Therefore, environmental fungi that are currently unable to cause infections in humans could develop greater temperature tolerance and become pathogenic to humans. It is hypothesized that Candida auris was the first human fungal pathogen to emerge due to thermal adaptation in response to climate change; ut however, its origin is still a mystery. C.auris poses a serious new threat to human health because of its high rate of antifungal resistance, ability to persist on hospital surfaces, and the increasing number of cases that are occurring in more than 40 states worldwide. Azole resistance is extremely common in C. auris isolates, raising the question of whether the extensive use of azoles in agriculture has also promoted the development of resistance in this emerging fungal pathogen, The dual use of azoles in agriculture and clinic has also led to the global emergence of azole resistance in the major human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus.

2. Infections transmitted by arthropod vectors. Arthropod vectors are cold-blooded insects and therefore are particularly sensitive to climate change. Global warming favors their global expansion and colonization of new biological niches. Indeed, infections with West-Nile virus, a virus transmitted through the bite of the Culex spp. mosquito, are on the rise in Europe. In addition, the first autochthonous cluster of Chikungunya virus infection in Europe occurred in Italy. back in 2007, following the importation of the virus from endemic country and the presence of the vector suitable for its local propagation.

3. Rodent-borne infections. Rodent expansion is influenced by climatic conditions. Rodents might increase in temperate areas resulting in greater interaction with humans and a higher risk of infection transmission, especially in urban areas. In addition, heavy atmospheric precipitation could spread pathogens excreted by rodent urine, such as leptospires, zoonotic bacterial pathogens, Hantaviruses are also rodent-transmitted viruses, Humans are at risk of exposure through inhalation of viral aerosols from the droppings of infected rodents.

4. Extreme weather events can affect water availability, quality and access. Waterborne pathogens often act in concert through two main routes of exposure: drinking water and recreational water use. For example, Vibrio spp bacteria (including Vibrio vulnificu and non-O1 and non-O139 Vibrio cholerae), have shown increased growth rates during unusually hot summers and infected open wounds that can necrotize and cause severe sepsis.

 

 

Readings/Bibliography

Links to readings and slides will be provided and will be available as repository material on https://virtuale.unibo.it/

Teaching methods

In presence lectures and use of flipped classroom methodology

Assessment methods

Final written report on a case study

Teaching tools

Power point presentations, videos, online resources

Office hours

See the website of Monica Cricca