260.601.01
Vector-Borne Disease Control

Prerequisite:

Background in biomedical sciences

Description:

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.

The course will address various vector-borne disease control strategies that target any of the complex interactions between the pathogen, vector and host. Emphasis is placed on malaria, dengue and other arboviral diseases, as well as Chagas, leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis. Current and future prophylactic, therapeutic and transmission-blocking vaccines and drugs, vector control, and vector-targeted pathogen transmission control are some examples of control strategies that will be discussed. Interactions between control methods and factors that influence efficacy will also be addressed.

Learning Objectives:

Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain current and future vector-borne disease control concepts
2. Identify the most effective disease control strategy for a given disease and transmission setting
3. Critique the strengths and weaknesses of various vector-borne disease strategies
4. 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:

Mid-term and final exam

Instructor Consent:

No consent required