Introduction to Clinical Parasitology

Introduction to Clinical Parasitology

Learning Objectives

At the end of this session, students should be able to: a. define the basic terms in parasitology; and b. explain the factors affecting parasitic transmissions and infections.

What is PARASITOLOGY?

"the discipline concerned with the detection, identification, and interpretation of parasites of medical importance in human specimens, providing the basis for diagnosis and treatment of parasitic infections."

provides a systematic comprehension of the various medically important human parasites; their distribution, habitat, morphology and life cycle, pathogenesis and clinical features, laboratory diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control.

"The main task of studying parasites is to control and hence prevent parasites from causing diseases. For this purpose, we have to know what a parasite is and how it can survive, evolve, and cause disease."