Bi7038 Ecoepidemiology of Viruses

Faculty of Science
Spring 2025
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 4 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Taught in person.
Teacher(s)
doc. RNDr. Ivo Rudolf, Ph.D. (lecturer)
prof. RNDr. Daniel Růžek, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
prof. RNDr. Daniel Růžek, Ph.D.
Department of Experimental Biology – Biology Section – Faculty of Science
Contact Person: Mgr. et Mgr. Michal Dvořák
Supplier department: Department of Experimental Biology – Biology Section – Faculty of Science
Prerequisites
Bi5420 General virology
The course was established primarily for students in the Virology program. In addition, the course may be appropriate for other biology students and potential participants interested in virology.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The main objective of the course is to introduce the student to the basics of eco-epidemiology of viral infections. At the end of the course, the student should be able to define, explain and correctly apply the general terms used in the epidemiology of viral infections, understand the general mechanisms of viral transmission, define and describe the basic strategies of epidemiological investigation, including the description of descriptive and analytical methods. He/she should also characterize the main viral infections (viral antroponoses and zoonoses) from an epidemiological point of view and interpret state-of-the-art methods currently used in epidemiological research (mathematical modeling, spatial epidemiology, prediction of outbreaks of viral origin). The participant should describe the environmental and socioeconomic determinants of emerging viral infections, including analysis of specific epidemic events. The participant should correctly define the term epidemiological surveillance and characterizeits levels. The participant should also understand how collected epidemiological data are employed for prevention and control of selected viral infections and how to protect against upcoming viral threats. The participant will properly define and explain the concept of One-Health and describe its application in modern epidemiology. The participant will apply the acquired skills in basic and applied research in virology or diagnostic laboratories and public health sector (public health institutes, regional public health bodies).
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student should define, explain and correctly apply the general terms used in the epidemiology of viral infections, understand the general mechanisms of viral transmission, define and describe the basic strategies of epidemiological investigation, including the description of descriptive and analytical methods. He/she should also characterize the main viral infections (viral antroponoses and zoonoses) from an epidemiological point of view and interpret state-of-the-art methods currently used in epidemiological research (mathematical modeling, spatial epidemiology, prediction of outbreaks of viral origin). The participant should describe the environmental and socioeconomic determinants of emerging viral infections, including analysis of specific epidemic events. The participant should correctly define the term epidemiological surveillance and characterize each level. The participant should also understand how collected epidemiological data are employed for prevention and control of selected viral infections and how to prevent against upcoming viral threats. The participant will properly define and explain the concept of One-Health and describe its application in modern epidemiology.
Syllabus
  • Introduction to the epidemiology of viral infections - terminology. Mechanisms of viral transmission (direct and indirect routes of transmission).
  • Modern epidemiological methods (mathematical modelling, spatial epidemiology, prediction of outbreaks of viral origin).
  • Characterization of medically important viruses (viral antroponoses and zoonoses) from an epidemiological point of view (individual diseases are classified according to transmission mechanisms - alimentary infections, sexually transmitted infections, vector-borne infections, infections transmitted by direct contact, respiratory tract infections, and blood-borne infections).
  • Epidemiology of viral diseases from a veterinary perspective. Surveillance of viral infections.
  • One-Health Concept.
  • Determinants of emerging viral infections (environmental and socioeconomic aspects).
  • Nosocomial viral infections.
  • Imported viral infections and introduction of viruses into new areas.
  • Novel viral threats.
Literature
    recommended literature
  • DIMMOCK, N.J. and A.J. EASTON. Introduction to Modern Virology. Wiley-Blackwell, 2016, 519 pp. ISBN 978-1-119-97810-7. info
  • MAREK, Lukáš. Prostorové a vícerozměrné statistické analýzy epidemiologických dat. 1. vydání. Olomouc: Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci pro Katedru geoinformatiky, 2015, 168 stran. ISBN 9788024448206. info
  • GÖPFERTOVÁ, Dana, Petr PAZDIORA and Jana DÁŇOVÁ. Epidemiologie : obecná a speciální epidemiologie infekčních nemocí. 2., přepr. vyd. Praha: Karolinum, 2013, 223 s. ISBN 9788024622231. info
  • COLLIER, L. H., Paul KELLAM and J. S. OXFORD. Human virology. 4th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011, xiv, 365. ISBN 9780199570881. info
  • HUBÁLEK, Zdeněk and Ivo RUDOLF. Microbial Zoonoses and Sapronoses. 1st ed. Dordrecht-Heidelberg-London-New York: Springer, 2011, 457 pp. ISBN 978-90-481-9656-2. Available from: https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9657-9. URL info
  • BONITA, R., R. BEAGLEHOLE and T. KJELLSTROM. Basic epidemiology. 2nd. Geneva: WHO, 2006, 213 pp. ISBN 9789241547079. info
  • RAJČÁNI, Július and Fedor ČIAMPOR. Lekárska virológia. 1. vyd. Bratislava: VEDA vydavateľstvo Slovenskej akadémie vied, 2006, 574 s. ISBN 8022409111. info
Teaching methods
Powerpoint presentation (slide projection) accompanied by showing of illustrations, schemes, photos and video projection. Students are continuously informed with relevant news in the field of viral epidemiology including description and analysis of current epidemic events and epidemics caused by new and/or (re-)emerging viruses.
Assessment methods
Final evaluation is based on written test (Success rate 60%).
Language of instruction
Czech
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
The course is taught annually.
The course is taught: every week.
Teacher's information
The course is also offered to students in other disciplines with whom the course is not directly affiliated.
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