260.601.01
Vector-Borne Disease Control
Location
East Baltimore
Term
4th Term
Department
Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
Credit(s)
3
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
Synchronous Online
Tu, Th, 1:30 - 3:20pm
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Resources
Prerequisite
Background in biomedical sciences
Vector-borne diseases represent over 17% of all infectious diseases, and a variety of factors have contributed to this, including: lack of drugs and vaccines, or resistance to drugs and insecticides, as well as environmental, climatological, demographic and socioeconomical factors. Addressing multiple diseases, that share the vector-mediated mode of transmission between humans, and by addressing multiple control strategies for a given disease, will provide a thorough understanding of the critical factors that determine effective disease control. The need for public health professionals with expertise in various aspects of vector-borne disease control is significant and increasing.
Addresses various vector-borne disease control strategies that target any of the complex interactions between the pathogen, vector and host. Emphasizes on malaria, dengue and other arboviral diseases, as well as Chagas, leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis. Discusses some examples of control strategies such as current and future prophylactic, therapeutic and transmission-blocking vaccines and drugs, vector control, and vector-targeted pathogen transmission control. Addresses interactions between control methods and factors that influence efficacy.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- Explain current and future vector-borne disease control concepts
- Identify the most effective disease control strategy for a given disease and transmission setting
- Critique the strengths and weaknesses of various vector-borne disease strategies
- Analyze compatibilities and incompatibilities between different vector-borne disease control strategies, and identify the most appropriate combination in a given transmission environment.
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
- 60% Written Assignment(s)
- 10% Discussion
- 30% Quizzes