Laboratory Diagnosis of Parasites

Practicals will be supported by appropriate lectures including lectures on the differentiation of Entamoeba histolytica from the morphologically identical E.dispar and the current thinking on the pathogenicity of Blastocystis hominis and Dientamoeba fragilis. Parasites associated with HIV and other immunosuppressive disorders will also be included, as will the isolation and identification of the facultative parasites Acanthamoeba and Naegleria. One morning will be devoted to the processing and identification of malaria, including the use of currently available malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs); and this is aimed at individuals who may find themselves having to identify malaria infection where it is not part of their routine work.

Staff of the Diagnostic Parasitology Laboratory in the Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases will give instruction on the course. A comprehensive laboratory manual is included and participants will be given, where possible, reference material to take back to their own laboratories.

There is no formal assessment but at the conclusion of the course, a certificate of attendance will be provided