PARASITOLOGY
„Parasitology” course focuses on the parasites of medical importance that cause human morbidity
and mortality throughout the world. It also introduces the student to the general aspects of
parasitology. The developmental biology, natural history, and cell and molecular biology of the major
eukaryotic parasites will be discussed. Also, the fundamental mechanisms of host-parasite
relationships, diagnosis, pathogenesis, epidemiology, and control strategies will be emphasized.
TEACHERS:

dr hab. Celestyna Mila-Kierzenkowska
CONTACT:

dr hab. Celestyna Mila-Kierzenkowska celestyna@o2.pl
SYLABUS
I.
Name of the unit offering the course: Department of Medical Biology
II.
Head of the Unit/ Course coordinator: dr hab. Alina Woźniak, prof. UMK
III.
1st year, number of hours: 30
IV.
Form of the classes: lectures: 20, tutorials: 10
V.
Form of crediting: credit with grade
VI.
Number of ECTS points: 2
VII.
The aim of the course:
“Parasitology” program is realized in the second semester. The general objectives of the module are
to teach students biology of human parasites, pathogenesis of parasitic diseases and diagnostic
methods in parasitology. The main aim of the course is to make the students ready to learn clinical
subjects as well as to prophylaxis, diagnostics and therapeutics.
VIII. The course contents:
Parasitism as an ecological phenomenon. The evolution of parasite-host system. The origin of
complex developmental cycles of parasites. The invasion of parasites and invasive disease. Basis of
parasitological diagnosis. Taking the collection of material for parasitological examinations. Stool
examinations. Direct methods (preparations in physiologic saline, in iodine solution, thin smear,
permanent stained preparations). Condenstaion methods (flotation and sedimentation methods).
Blood examination. Examinations of cerebrospinal fluid, sputum, bile, duodenal content, urine and
secretion of urogenital system. Immunological methods. Parasites invasion and invasion diseases.
Diagnosis and differentiation of parasitic diseases. Etiology, pathogenesis and clinical manifestations
of invasion diseases. Epidemiology and control of parasitic diseases. Therapy of parasitic diseases.
Allergenic and toxic significance of parasites. Parasites antigens. Immunopathology of parasitic
diseases.
X.
Booklist:
1. Study Guide. To Accompany Practical Medical Parasitology and to Inquire into Biology of Human
Parasites. 4th Edition. Kasprzak W, Majewska AC. Dział Wydawnictw Uczelnianych AM Poznan, 2000.
2. Guide to Medical Parasitology. (New compedium for medical students). Chomicz L. Medical
University of Warsaw, 2006
RULES AND REGULATIONS
I. Form and criteria of the course completion:
The prerequisite is completion of practical classes and to obtain at least 60% of points from the final
exam. Gain a minimum of 60 points during classes gives the possibility of exemption from
examination, and obtaining 54-59 points allows the student to take the exam in ‘time zero’. The
exam is in the form of the test and covers the issues discussed in the lectures and classes and in the
given literature. A student who fails the exam, according to the regulations of study, has a single
chance to improve the grade.
II. Form and criteria of classes completion:
The prerequisite is to obtain min 40 points. The maximum number of points, possible to obtain
during classes, is 67 points. This number includes:
-
3 tests at the beginning of the classes: 3 x 10 points = max. 30 points
-
Report from the classes: 3 x 10 points = max. 30 points
-
Homework: max. 7 points
The tests at the beginning of the each classes will include the current material. The first test will be
conducted on the first class. Student is obliged to familiarize with the material contained in the
program of the subject and prepare for classes according to given literature. There is only one term
of passing these tests, without possibility of improvement.
Reports from the classes should be prepared in the form of notebook with drawings of all parasites
seen under microscope during classes.
Unexcused absence of student on the classes is associated with the lack of opportunities to gain
points for the current class. A student who left class and give the excuse is obligated to execute the
class after consultation with teacher. Student who has more than two absence during classes will
have no chance to complete the course.