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School of Life Sciences  
 
 
LSC-30036 Human Parasitology  
Co-ordinator: Dr Srabasti Chakravorty   Tel:33685  
Teaching Team: Mrs Janet  Norton, Mrs Deborah  Goodall Dr Mirna Maarabouni Ms Julie  Beard Mrs Lisa  Smith Dr Srabasti  Chakravorty Mrs Linda  Flynn Dr Mark  Skidmore Mrs Susan  Andrews Dr Catherine  Merrick  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 3 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office: Tel: 01782 734414
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for

Biochemistry Major (Level 3)
Biology Major (Level 3)
Biology Minor (Level 3)
Human Biology Minor (Level 3)

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Prerequisites

Successful completion of Level 2

Barred Combinations

Apply the concepts of the life cycles and biology of Parasites to disease transmission and routes of infection and critically evaluate the implications for disease transmission will be achieved by assessments: 01 and 02 Apply concepts of immunological basis of parasitic infections to the diagnosis and pathology of Parasitic Infections: field and laboratory will be achieved by assessments: 01 and 02 Critically evaluate parallels between immunopathogenesis in different parasitic infections will be achieved by assessments: 01 and 02 Aapply the principles of Immune evasion, antigenic variation and immune suppression to parasite survival in human host and critically evaluate the problems in developing suitable therapies will be achieved by assessments: 01 and 02 Evaluate the different modes of treatment of parasitic infections with reference to efficiency of treatment regimes, socio-economic problems associated with treatment availability and critically evaluate limitations to disease control will be achieved by assessments: 01 and 02 Critically evaluate the biology of insect vectors of disease and the implications for disease transmission will be achieved by assessments: 01 and 02 Apply the principles of transmission control to vector control and insecticide resistance with reference to associated socio-economic problems and demonstrate ability to use primary sources to research and critically evaluate the current research. will be achieved by assessments: 01 and 02

Description

This module will promote the understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of Parasitic diseases of Humans with particular reference to protozoan, helminth and nematode infections. Protozoan infections will include Malaria and Leishmaniasis. Other infections covered will be Shistsomiasis (blood fluke) and Filariasis (worm). The module will address the life cycle of the parasites, which is critical to understanding how the parasite is transmitted, pathogenesis of the parasitic infection and diagnosis and treatment. A basic understanding of immunology will be useful in understanding the human host-parasite interactions that determine pathology in these parasitic infections. Understanding of the parasite life cycles will also be important in grasping the current methods of controlling transmission and also the infection. The module will also address challenges to effective delivery of treatment and control of transmission, including socio-economic and cultural issues. The module will be delivered by academics who are currently active in Parasitology and Entomology research and will be able to provide an insight into the current developments and knowledge of these parasitic diseases. There will be tutorial sessions which will provide a forum for discussion of some of the topics covered in this module. Additional practical sessions will provide the opportunity to examine specimens and discuss film material, which will enhance the students&© understanding of Human Parasitology.

Indicative content includes:
Comparative overview of life cycles of parasites with particular emphasis on Malaria, Leishmaniasis, Schistosomiasis (blood flukes) and Filariasis (worm).

Human host-parasite interactions in parasitic infections:
Immune response
Immunosuppression and co-infection
Immunity and vaccine development and associated problems.

Pathology and symptoms of Parasitic infections, discuss and compare current knowledge of mechanisms involved in pathogenesis, also discuss symptomatic versus asymptomatic infection tissue damage, anaemia, organ-failure.

Diagnosis of parasitic infections in the field and in the laboratory and discuss invasive and non-invasive methods of diagnosis (blood smear, ELISA for parasite antigens, urine, stool, tissue biopsy, ocular imaging).

Treatment of parasitic infections, discussing prophylactic measures available and chemotherapy regimens with particular reference to mode of action of the drugs, problems such as drug resistance
Socio-economic problems associated with effective delivery of treatment such as accessibility of treatment, cost of treatment, compliance with treatment.

Vector Biology
Control of Transmission, vector avoidance, prevention of transmission, socio-economic and cultural problems associated with use of preventive measures e.g. (bed nets: cost, child versus adult, health education).


Aims

Lectures 17
Tutorials 4
Practicals 4
Directed learning 14
Self-study and essay writing 108
Class test &Exam 3


Intended Learning Outcomes

Study hours

Successful completion of Level 2


Description of Module Assessment

None


001: 2 Hour Exam weighted 30%
Short question and answer paper


002: 2 Hour Exam weighted 70%
2 hour examination
Students should answer 2 out of 5 questions in essay style


Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Oct/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.