(in Polish) Molekularne Markery w Diagnostyce Chorób Pasożytniczych 1400-122-MMChP-W

The course presents the use of appropriate molecular markers in the diagnosis of parasitic diseases and in the analysis of pathogen genetic diversity. During the classes, students work with DNA sequences of selected genes obtained from various groups of parasites and pathogens, including Hepatozoon spp., Bartonella spp., Borrelia spp., Catenotaenia spp., Dirofilaria spp., tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), as well as ectoparasites (fleas and ticks). The course also covers modern genomic and bioinformatic techniques used in molecular diagnostics. Students learn about pathogen adaptation mechanisms, their coevolution with hosts, and the evolution of developmental cycles. The classes develop skills in critical data analysis, research design, and interpretation of evolutionary processes shaping contemporary parasitic and zoonotic diseases.
The practical component consists of two complementary modules. The first part is a seminar based on the analysis of recent scientific publications from journals such as Nature, Parasitology, PLOS Pathogens, Trends in Parasitology, and Systematic Parasitology. Each student prepares one presentation based on an article assigned by the lecturer. Discussions cover topics such as genetic variability, host-manipulation strategies, parasite genomics, and host–parasite coevolution. Working with the literature develops the ability to critically evaluate research methods, interpret results, and formulate scientific arguments. The combination of molecular data analysis and literature-based discussion provides students with comprehensive preparation for research on pathogens in molecular diagnostic, ecological, and phylogenetic contexts.
The second part is practical (computer-based). Students work with curated DNA sequences of pathogens from various taxonomic groups, obtained from field studies conducted by the Laboratory of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases (including protists, Nematoda, Cestoda, Trematoda). They analyze both conserved and vaibrable genes. Students perform sequence alignments, select evolutionary models, construct phylogenetic trees using Maximum Likelihood, Bayesian inference, and Neighbor-Joining methods, and then interpret the resulting topologies. These analyses allow them to compare evolutionary rates and trajectories, identify host specificity, and assess the genetic variability of the studied pathogens.