PMO 615 Sand Flies and Disease
This course presents a thorough coverage of the phlebotomine sand flies and their importance as vectors of diseases such as the leishmaniases, bartonellosis and sand fly fever. Particular emphasis is given to the leishmaniases and the ecology of Leishmania transmission, including Parasite vector and vector host interactions, sand fly and Leishmania surveillance and leishmaniasis prevention and control. The course also covers in less detail the biting midges (also called sand flies) and the diseases they transmit, such as blue tongue and Oropouche viruses, and certain microfilariae. Students will gain an extensive understanding of sand fly and biting midge biology and ecology, and will be able to recognize sand flies and biting midges by sight and identify important vector species using dichotomous keys. They will learn to organize and conduct sand fly and Leishmania surveys to assess the risk of human exposure, and will be able to recommend appropriate countermeasures for vector and disease suppression. Students will be required to rear sand flies in the laboratory and to collect age-specific lifetable data through an entire colony generation.
Prerequisite
Concurrence of Course Director