70781 - Infections in Travelers and Immigrants

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will know the basic principles about the most important tropical diseases caused by pathogen microorganisms. Ability to learn and apply new acquisitions on tropical pathology.Knowledge of potential risks for the individual and public health of transmissible infectious diseases and specific prophylaxis

The Elective Course will be made in the month of January 2025 in the Clinics of Infectious Diseses (Pavillon n.6, 3rd floor, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital).

Course contents

Infections in the traveler and the immigrant

1-Epidemiology of endemic infections in tropical countries

2- Risk factors in relation to the travel, age or diseases of the subject

3- Immigration and potential communicable diseases

4- Infections in the traveler and / or immigrant patient with fever, diarrhea, cutaneous manifestations, eosinophilia

5-Clinic: patient approach, differential diagnostics

Tropical diseases: diagnosis

1- Severe protozoary infections (Malaria, trypanosomiasis, leishmania ....)

2- Viral infections transmitted by vectors (yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya, Zika .....)

3- Major infections of the digestive system supported by viruses, bacteria, protozoa and helminths,

4- Infections of the nervous system, viral haemorrhagic fevers, Filariasis, schistosomiasis, Tbc

Prophylaxis and Therapy

1- Behavioral prophylaxis against tropical transmissible infections

2- The main Immunizations (general considerations, routine vaccinations,vaccinations in special groups (children, pregnancy, immunodeppresses ...), side effects and contraindications

3- Chemoprophylaxis (drugs to be used in relation to the trip and to the subject) 4- Infection therapy, side effects.

Readings/Bibliography

1. Calza L. Principi di Malattie Infettive. Società Editrice Esculapio, Bologna, 2017.

2. Cohen J, Powderly WG. Infectious Diseases (Second Edition). Mosby, Philadelphia, 2014.

Moroni M, Esposito R, De Lalla F. Manuale di Malattie Infettive (Sesta Edizione). Masson, Milano, 2003

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons with explanatory slides.

Assessment methods

The final exam consists of a questionnaire with multiple choice questions. The test contains 21 multiple choice questions, the time available to the student for the written test is 30 minutes. The questions will be on topics related to the course. For each quiz there is only one correct answer. The score that will be calculated is +1.5 for each correct answer and 0 if the answer is wrong or absent. The test is passed with a minimum score of 18/30 (corresponding to 12 correct answers). A grade will not be given but the test will only result as passed / failed. During the test the use of support material such as textbooks, notes, computer supports is not allowed.

Teaching tools

Teaching material available on the course web site.

Office hours

See the website of Gabriella Verucchi