Module

Module
1
MTPC 124
CLINICAL
PARASITOLOGY
EFREN II C. DEOCADES, RMT

JMJ Marists Brothers

Notre Dame of Marbel University
College of Arts and Sciences NOTRE DAME OF MARBEL UNIVERSITY
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT Medical Technology Department
 MODULE I:

Introduction to parasitology
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Learning Outcomes

At the end of the session, the students must be able to:

1. Be acquainted with the basic terms used in Parasitology, disease distribution of the
parasites, their life cycle, control and prevention;
2. exemplify mastery of the concept through passing the online assessment.

Introduction

Parasitology is a very interesting branch of Microbiology that deals with the study of
parasites. This chapter will basically introduce Parasitology through the basic terminologies we
use as we study Parasitology. We will also deal with brief introduction about the disease
distribution of parasites, their life cycle, disease prevention and control, and a little bit of historical
perspective about the development of this body of knowledge.

Activity/ Application

The students will be asked to define the common terms used in the study of Parasitology
and elaborate ideas relevant to the study of parasites.

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 Epidemiology
Lecture Proper − Most parasitic infections are found in
underdeveloped tropical and subtropical
countries.
Key Definitions
Parasite Contributing factors to parasite incidence:
− An organism that lives in or on and obtains its 1. Increased population density
nourishment from another organism 2. Poor sanitation/marginal water sources
Parasitology 3. Poor public health practices
− The study of parasites 4. Environmental changes affecting parasite vectors
Host 5. Habits and customs of the people
− Species of animal or plant that harbors a parasite 6. Advances in worldwide travel
Disease
− A process with characteristic symptoms
Infection
− Parasitic invasion inside the body
Infestation
− Parasitic invasion on the body
Vector
− Living carrier (often an insect/arthropod)
responsible for transporting parasites from
infected to uninfected hosts

Historical Perspective − The means by which a parasite gains entry into

− The documentation of parasites dates back to an unsuspecting host, referred to as mode of
prehistoric times. transmission, vary by specific parasite species
− A number of discoveries over the years and are listed here.
contributed to our current knowledge of
parasitology. For example:
− The importance of healing parasite-infected
individuals was recognized once it was
determined that parasites can be responsible for
infections, infestations, and diseases.
− Other important advances that contributed to the
current understanding of parasites:
• Invention of the microscope
• Improvements in global travel
• Enhanced preservation of samples
submitted for parasitic examination
• Laboratory diagnosis methods and tools

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Parasite-Host Relationships
− In order to understand parasite-host
relationships, one must first become familiar with
the different types of parasites and hosts.

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Parasitic Life Cycles Disease Processes and Symptoms
− Defined as the route a parasite follows from any − May affect the whole body or any of its parts
one stage in its development throughout its life, − Examples of body systems that may be affected:
back to the stage where the route began 1. GI/GU
− All parasite life cycles have three common 2. Blood and tissue
stages: 3. Major organs
1. A mode of transmission 4. Eye
2. A stage that infects humans, known as 5. Skin
infective stage 6. Extremities
3. One or more stages that are detectable in
the laboratory, known as diagnostic stage(s) Disease Processes and Symptoms

There are two phases to each parasitic life cycle:

A. Inside the (human) body
− Provides an understanding of
symptomatology and pathology, method of
diagnosis, and selection of appropriate
treatment medication
B. Outside the (human) body
− Provides crucial information pertinent to
epidemiology, prevention, and control

Parasitic Life Cycle Example

Treatment

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Prevention and Control Parasite Nomenclature and Classification
− Scientific names are written in italics.
− Two parts to scientific names:
− Genus and species
− Example: Giardia intestinalis
− Common abbreviation format: G. intestinalis
− Suffix of “-iasis” after genus name indicates
associated disease/condition name.
− Example: giardiasis

Three major groups of clinically significant

parasites for humans:
− Group #1
− Single-celled parasites – protozoa
Specimen Processing and Laboratory Diagnosis − Group #2
− Most common specimen type tested – stool − Multicellular worms – helminths
− Analysis consists of: − Group #3
1. Macroscopic exam − Arthropods (insects and their allies) –
2. Microscopic exam animalia

− Fecal debris removal process typically performed Parasite Nomenclature and Classification
as part of analysis
− Analysis often referred to “O&P” (ova and
parasites)

Parasite Nomenclature and Classification

− Parasites are measured using units known as

microns (one millionth of a meter: 10-6), often
abbreviated as μm.
− “Artifacts” or “confusers” are suspicious forms
resembling parasites but are not parasites.

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Parasite Nomenclature and Classification Looking Back
− Organisms that live in or on and obtain their
nourishment from other organisms are referred to
as parasites.
− Selected parasites have evolved over time from
being commensal into human pathogens.
− Much knowledge has been learned about
parasites over the years:
1. Epidemiology
2. Parasite-host relationships
3. Parasitic life cycles
4. Disease processes and symptoms
5. Prevention and control
6. Specimen processing and laboratory
diagnosis
− Parasites are classified based on their individual
characteristics.
− Traditional and new diagnosis techniques
contribute to accurate parasite identification.

Assessment
An online, 50-item quiz will be given and will be accessed using the Learning
Management System.

References
Belizario Jr., V. Y., & de Leon, W. U. (Eds.). (2015). Medical Parasitology in the
Philippines (3rd ed.). University of the Philippines Press.

Tille, P. M. (2017). Bailey and Scott’s diagnostic microbiology (14th ed.). Elsevier Inc.

Zeibig, E. A. (2013). Clinical Parasitology: A Practical Approach (2nd ed.). Saunders Elsevier.

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NOTRE DAME OF MARBEL UNIVERSITY
Medical Technology Department