MLT 253 - Parasitology & Mycology

1. Describe procedures performed to accurately identify human parasites and the principles of commonly used testing procedures for diagnosing a parasitic infection or infestation.
2. Describe the general anatomy and classifications of parasites commonly affecting humans using appropriate terminology.
3. Explain and draw parasitic life cycles, their various forms, and disease states.
4. Describe the general anatomy and characteristics of the different fungi, yeast, and molds using appropriate terminology and explain testing procedures used to identify and determine fungi, yeast, and mold infections.

Course Objectives

1. State definitions for general terminology used in parasitology.
2. Name the parasites included in each of the phylums: aschelminthes, platyhelminthes, sarcomastigophora, ciliophora, and apicomplexa.
3. State the proper procedure for collection and transport of fecal specimens.
4. Select the proper procedure for performing a routine fecal analysis for the presence of parasitic infection.
5. Explain the zinc sulfate flotation and the formalin - ether sedimentation concentration technique for recovery of intestinal parasites.
6. State the general characteristics of each class of protozoa.
7. State the scientific and common name of the protozoan parasites.
8. Name the major morphological characteristics of Entamoeba histolytica used for identification.
9. State the characteristics of the other amoebas that differentiate them from E. histolytica.
10. List the arthropod secondary hosts involved in the protozoan parasite life cycle.
11. Draw the life cycle of the Plasmodium species including the erythrocytic and exoerythrocytic phases.
12. Differentiate the four main Plasmodium species from blood smears.
13. State the common and scientific names of parasitic flukes that affect humans.
14. Explain the general life cycle of the organ dwelling and blood flukes differentiating the method of infection.
15. Identify the digena parasites by their eggs.
16. State the scientific and common name for all cestoda.
17. State the body specimen of choice to be used for examination for diagnosis of Cestoda infections.
18. Describe the characteristics of the different stages of Cestoda.
19. State the different infections associated with Cestoda infections.
20. Describe the life cycle of the Cestoda.
21. State the scientific and common name for all intestinal and tissue nematodes for which humans serve as the usual definitive host.
22. State the body specimen of choice to be used for examination for diagnosis of nematode infections.
23. Name the intermediate arthropod host for the filariae (tissue) nematodes.
24. Identify fungal cultures, photographs, and/or drawings of various types of fungi.
25. Describe fungal cultures naming its textures, topography, and front and reverse color.
26. List at least four general rules for good fungal specimen collection.
27. Discuss the types of specimen direct examinations, including the principle, procedure, and appearance of fungi in each.
28. Compare and contrast: 1) superficial and cutaneous mycoses, 2) cutaneous mycoses and dermatomycoses.
29. Identify fungi from culture, microscopic appearance, biochemical characteristics, and mycoses produced.
30. Discuss how the type of tinea, hair fluorescence, and growth rate aid in dermatophyte speciation.