PARASITOLOGY

What is Parasitology?
Parasitology is the branch of biology and medicine that studies parasites, their hosts, and the relationship between them.
A parasite is an organism that lives in or on another organism (the host) and benefits at the host’s expense.
Main Groups of Human Parasites
🦠 1. Protozoa (Single-celled organisms)
Microscopic, but can cause serious disease.
Examples:
Plasmodium → Malaria
Entamoeba histolytica → Amoebic dysentery
Giardia lamblia → Giardiasis
Trichomonas vaginalis → Trichomoniasis
Common sites: Blood, intestine, urogenital tract
🪱 2. Helminths (Worms)
Multicellular parasites, usually visible to the naked eye in adult form.
a) Nematodes (Roundworms)
Ascaris lumbricoides
Hookworms (Ancylostoma, Necator)
Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm)
Wuchereria bancrofti (filariasis)
b) Cestodes (Tapeworms)
Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm)
Taenia solium (pork tapeworm)
Echinococcus granulosus (hydatid disease)
c) Trematodes (Flukes)
Schistosoma species
Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke)
🕷️ 3. Ectoparasites
Live on the surface of the body.
Examples:
Lice
Fleas
Ticks
Mites (Sarcoptes scabiei – scabies)
They may also act as vectors (transmit other parasites).
Key Terms in Parasitology
Term
Meaning
Host
Organism that harbors the parasite
Definitive host
Host where parasite reaches sexual maturity
Intermediate host
Host that carries larval or asexual stages
Vector
Organism that transmits a parasite (e.g., mosquito)
Zoonosis
Infection transmitted from animals to humans
Modes of Transmission
Parasites can enter the body through:
🍽️ Contaminated food & water – e.g., amoebiasis, giardiasis
🦟 Insect bites – e.g., malaria (mosquito)
🚶 Skin penetration – e.g., hookworm larvae
🩸 Blood transfusion – e.g., malaria (rare but possible)
🤝 Person-to-person contact – e.g., pinworm
Effects of Parasitic Infections
Parasites can cause:
Diarrhea and abdominal pain
Anemia (hookworms, malaria)
Organ damage (liver, brain, lungs)
Malnutrition
Weakness and poor growth in children
Laboratory Diagnosis in Parasitology
Common lab methods:
🔬 Microscopy
Stool examination (ova, cysts, larvae)
Blood films (malaria, filaria)
Urine/sputum exams for specific parasites
🧪 Serological tests
Detect parasite antigens or antibodies
🧬 Molecular methods (PCR)
Highly sensitive and specific
Prevention and Control
Safe drinking water
Proper sanitation
Washing hands and food
Cooking meat thoroughly
Using insecticide-treated nets
Deworming programs

Laboratory Practise and Management

This course will entail the following content;

1. Introduction to Laboratory Practice  
   - Purpose and types of laboratories  
   - Roles and responsibilities of lab personnel  

2. Laboratory Safety 
   - Safety rules and procedures  
   - Handling of chemicals and biological materials  
   - Emergency response and first aid  

3. Laboratory Equipment and Instruments  
   - Identification and use of common lab tools  
   - Calibration, maintenance, and care  

4. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) 
   - Writing and following SOPs  
   - Documentation and compliance  

5. Laboratory Management 
   - Planning and organization  
   - Inventory and supply management  
   - Budgeting and procurement  

6. Quality Control and Assurance  
   - Accuracy, reliability, and validity in testing  
   - Internal and external audits  

7. Waste Management and Environmental Safety
   - Disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste  
   - Environmental protection regulations  

8. Record Keeping and Reporting 
   - Data recording, storage, and retrieval  
   - Report writing and lab logs  

9. Ethics and Professional Conduct 
   - Confidentiality, integrity, and lab ethics