Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

In Medical Parasitology the student will focus on identification of representatives of the amoeba, flagellate, ciliate, sporozoa, platyhelminth, nematode, arachnida and insect classes through the identification of parasitic structures. Life cycles, modes of transmission, and diseases will be discussed as it pertains to patient health and risk factors. Testing methodologies cover fecal, blood, urine and other body fluids with emphasis on the commonly used direct and indirect procedures and biochemical stains.

Upon successful completion students should be able to:

1. Use an understanding of the parasites associated with human disease to make appropriate and effective on-the-job professional decisions.
2. Apply appropriate parasitology techniques, methodologies, instruments and equipment to affect quality patient care.
3. Adapt laboratory techniques and procedures in a corrective manner when errors and discrepancies in results are obtained to affect resolution in a professional and timely manner.

The material in this course will be presented in a traditional classroom (Campus program), or distance-learning format (Distance learning program). Both traditional and distance learning sections include required laboratory activities. Traditional classroom instruction consists of lecture, discussion, web-based instructional media (tutorials, animations, videos, etc.) and other educationally sound practices. Distance learning sections include similar educational practices and are primarily presented in a web-based format. Both campus and distance learning sections require periodic campus based laboratory exercises. In addition, the distance learning section may have hospital-based laboratory exercises. A laboratory manual will be provided. The laboratory exercises provide an opportunity for students to employ the testing principles and methodologies discussed and allow for discussion, application and correlation of the concepts presented. The student is expected to perform all laboratory procedures according to the criteria established by the department.

The instructor will outline the methods used to evaluate student progress and the criteria for assigning a grade at the beginning of the course. Assessment methods may include written and practical examinations and laboratory write-ups. Evaluation of problem solving skills, teamwork, attendance, laboratory performance and communication skills may also be included.

• Course Themes
  • Theme 1: Parasitic Life Cycles
    • Reservoirs
    • Geographic distribution
    • Primary hosts
    • Intermediate hosts
    • Developmental stages
    • Modes of transmission
  • Theme 2: Parasitic diseases
    • Etiology
    • Predilections for infection
    • Symptoms
  • Theme 3: Methods of Identification
    • Traditional tests
    • Identifying characteristics of parasites from smears
    • Rapid methods of identification
  • Theme 5: Integrating Themes
    • Parasitic diseases and the human condition

• Laboratory Skills
  • Use a bright field light microscope to view and interpret slides, including
    • Correctly setting up and focusing the microscope
    • Proper handling, cleaning, and storage of the microscope
    • Correct use of all lenses
    • Recording microscopic observations
  • Properly prepare slides for microbiological examination, including
    • Cleaning and disposing of slides
    • Preparing smears from fecal specimens
    • Performing wet mount preparations
    • Performing Trichrome stains
  • Troubleshooting and problem solving
    • Recognizing errors or discrepancies in results during lab procedures
    • Selecting corrective actions for problem solving

• Cognitive Skills
  • Cognitive processes, including
    • Formulating a clear, answerable question
    • Predicting expected results
    • Following written protocols and verbal instructions
  • Analysis skills, including
    • Collecting and organizing data in a systematic fashion
    • Presenting data in an appropriate form
    • Assessing the validity of the data (including integrity and significance)
    • Recognizing errors and developing a corrective course of action
    • Drawing appropriate conclusions based on the results
  • Communication skills, including
    • Discussing and presenting lab results or findings in the laboratory
  • Interpersonal and citizenry skills, including
    • Working effectively in teams or groups so that the task, results, and analysis may be shared
    • Effectively managing time and tasks allowing concurrent and/or overlapping tasks to be done simultaneously, by individuals and/or within a group
    • Integrating knowledge and making informed judgments about parasitology in the clinical setting and in everyday life

• Laboratory Safety
  • Laboratory procedures, including
    • Reporting all spills and broken glassware to the instructor and receiving instructions for clean up
    • Minimizing or containing the production of aerosols and describing the hazards associated with aerosols
    • Washing hands prior to and following laboratories and at any time contamination is suspected
    • Using universal precautions with blood and other body fluids and following the requirements of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
    • Disinfecting lab benches and equipment prior to and at the conclusion of each lab session, using an appropriate disinfectant and allowing a suitable contact time
    • Identification and proper disposal of different types of waste
    • Good lab practice, including returning materials to proper locations, proper care and handling of equipment, and keeping the bench top clear of extraneous materials
  • Protective procedures, including
    • Tying long hair back, wearing personal protective equipment (eye protection, coats, gloves, closed shoes), and using such equipment in appropriate situations
    • Always using appropriate pipetting devices and understanding that mouth pipetting is forbidden
    • Never eating or drinking in the laboratory
    • Never applying cosmetics, handling contact lenses, or placing objects (fingers, pencils, etc.) in the mouth or touching the face
  • Emergency procedures, including
    • Locating and properly using emergency equipment (eye wash stations, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, chemical safety showers)
    • Reporting all injuries immediately to the instructor
    • Following proper steps in the event of an emergency