MEDICAL PARASITOLOGY

This course starts with describing the three types of parasites affecting humans: Helminthes, protozoa and arthropods. The basic biology of these parasites and the clinical manifestations of the diseases will be discussed. Life cycles, morphological features, host-parasite relationships, geographical distribution, reservoir hosts, methods of transmission and control, pathology, diagnosis and treatment will be covered. Practical sessions will focus on identifying and recognizing parasitic stages excreted in different human body fluids. The biological and clinical perspectives gained in this course will assist the students in the recognition, evaluation and management of public health problems caused by medically important parasites.