Parasitology (HDD20403) PRACTICAL 1

UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPUR

DIPLOMA IN MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY

PARASITOLOGY
HDD20403
LABORATORY REPORT

INVESTIGATION OF PARASITES

DATE : 8th NOVEMBER 2022

STUDENT NAME NURUL ALIA NAFISSA BINTI YUSRI

ID NUMBER 12105121078

COURSE DMLT SEMESTER 3

LECTURER NAME DR. MEHRU NISHA

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Parasitology (HDD20403) PRACTICAL 1

Introduction:

Over 70 different species of parasites, belonging to two major groups (Protozoa and
Helminths), can be found in various parts of the human body. Parasites may result from
exposure via one or more of the following sources: 1) contaminated soil or water; 2) food
containing the immature infective stage of the parasite; 3) a blood sucking insect; 4) a
domestic or wild animal harbouring. Over 70 different species of parasites, belonging to two
major groups (Protozoa and Helminths), can be found in various parts of the human body.
Parasites may result from exposure via one or more of the following sources: 1)
contaminated soil or water; 2) food containing the immature infective stage of the parasite; 3)
a blood sucking insect; 4) a domestic or wild animal harbouring the parasite; 5) another
person, their clothing, bedding, or the immediate environment that they have contaminated;
or 6) oneself. Competent laboratory work is dependent on several factors; 1) satisfactory
specimens; 2) safe and adequate facilities, including a good quality microscope; 3)
personnel trained in examining specimens and accurately identifying organisms; and 4)
personal trained in safety and protection from stool, body fluid and blood-borne pathogens
(Universal Precautions). The most common types of body material submitted for parasitology
examination are stools and blood, however other materials, such as anal swabs, urines,
aspirates, abscesses or respiratory specimens, surgical specimens and biopsies may all be
submitted in certain cases. In diagnostic parasitology accuracy is most important, for
careless work may result in the lack or delay of treatment for an infected patient or treatment
for an incorrectly diagnosed infection. Quality work is based on two principals; quality control
(QC) and quality assurance (QA). Quality control ensures that each step of the process is
done properly, while quality assurance ensures that the entire process produces the correct
result. The definitive diagnosis must rest on positive identification of species present, not on
speculation.

Objectives:

1. In the laboratory, stained slides were used to identify the parasites.

2. Correctly describe the type of parasites that can be seen under a microscope.

Equipment and Materials:

1. Light microscope
2. Stained slides
3. Immersion oil
4. Lens cleaning paper

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Methods:

1. A slide of labelled parasite was taken.

2. Position the glass slide on the stage.
3. The power lens has been adjusted to a low position until the cells are in focus and
clearly seen.
4. Steps 1-3 were repeated using the higher power magnification to see the cells in more
detail.
5. The immersion oil was dropped to get a clear parasites image.
6. The slide was removed after it finished.
7. Finally, after using the microscope lens, make sure you wipe it using lens paper.
8. Store the microscope.
9. Identify the parasites stained slides.

Analysis:

Echinococcus granulosus is a tiny intestinal

tapeworm found in dogs. The disease is linked to
dogs found in sheep-raising areas, particularly if the
dogs are given offal. In the right conditions, these ova
can live for up to a year.

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Parasitology (HDD20403) PRACTICAL 1

Results:

1
(4x objective lens) (100x objective lens)

Echinococcus granulosus
dog tapeworm

cyst wall and scolices sec.

Discussion:

The adult tapeworm measures 3 mm to 6 mm in length. Echinococcus granulosus lives in

the small intestine of dogs or other canids, which are the definitive hosts. Gravid proglottids
produce eggs that are excreted. After being consumed by a suitable intermediate host (in
natural conditions: sheep, goats, swine, cattle, horses, and camels), the egg hatches in the
small intestine and releases an oncosphere that penetrates the intestinal wall and migrates
through the circulatory system into various organs, particularly the liver and lungs. The
oncosphere grows into a cyst in these organs, creating protoscolices and daughter cysts that
fill the cyst interior. By eating the cyst-containing organs of the diseased intermediate host,
the definitive host gets infected.

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Safety and precaution (if any):

1) Always use two hands when moving the microscope. Grasp the arm with one hand and
place the other hand under the base for support.
2) Handle glass slides carefully.

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/about.html

https://www.ijidonline.com/article/S1201-9712(08)01440-9/fulltext

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Parasitology (HDD20403) PRACTICAL 1

EXAMINE BLOOD FILMS FOR MALARIA PARASITES

Introduction:

Malaria is caused by infection with protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Plasmodium
transmitted by female Anopheles species mosquitoes. It is a parasitic infection of red blood
cells. In humans, it is generally caused by five different species of Plasmodium, namely, P.
vivax, P. falciparum, P. malariae, and P. ovale. According to an estimate, about 40% of the
world's population lives in high malaria zone. Major causative agents of malaria in country
like Pakistan are P. vivax and P. falciparum, with P. vivax being more common. Malaria
caused by P. falciparum is more severe and may often lead to cerebral malaria and death,
especially in children. Initially, malaria due to P. vivax was generally considered milder and
manageable compared to P. falciparum infection, but recent global reports suggest that P.
vivax malaria may cause complications leading to death. The global mortality rate for P.
vivax is documented at 0.1–1.6%. Hence, beside P. falciparum, P. vivax malaria should also
be closely monitored to avoid complications and mortality. Thus, timely diagnosis of malaria
in endemic areas is vital for early treatment and the prevention of fatal outcomes in cases of
P. falciparum, P. vivax, or mixed P. falciparum and P. malariae.

Objectives:

1. To examinate malaria parasites species in blood films.

Analysis:

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Results:

Plasmodium Falciparum

Trophozoite

Schizont

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Gametocyte

Plasmodium Vivax

Trophozoite

Schizont

White blood cells

(Neutrophil)

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Plasmodium Ovale

Schizont

Trophozoite

Gametocyte

Plasmodium knowlesi

Trophozoite

Trophozoite

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Gametocyte

Discussion:

Four kinds of malaria parasites infect humans: Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P.

ovale, and P. malariae. Malaria infection occurs when an infected female Anopheles
mosquito bites a person, injecting Plasmodium parasites into the bloodstream in the
form of sporozoites. The sporozoites enter the human liver. Over the next 7 to 10
days, the sporozoites multiply asexually in the liver cells, generating no symptoms.
Two hosts are involved in the life cycle of the malaria parasite. During a blood meal,
a malaria-infected female Anopheles mosquito inoculates the human host with
sporozoites. Sporozoites infect liver cells, grow into schizonts, then rupture to
release merozoites. Following the first replication in the liver (exo-erythrocytic
schizogony), the parasites multiply asexually in the erythrocytes (erythrocytic
schizogony ). Merozoites parasitize red blood cells. Ring stage trophozoites develop
into schizonts, which rupture and release merozoites. Some parasites develop
sexual erythrocytic stages (gametocytes). The clinical signs of the disease are
caused by blood stage parasites. The oocysts develop, break, and release
sporozoites into the mosquito's salivary glands. The malaria life cycle is perpetuated
by inoculating the sporozoites into a new human host.

References:

https://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1756-3305-3-5

https://www.malariavaccine.org/malaria-and-vaccines/vaccine-development/life-cycle-
malaria-parasite

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