AUSTIN
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
MEDICAL
LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY
MLAB
1331 Parasitology/Mycology - Syllabus
Spring
2010
Instructor:
Dale Dingley, MPH, M(ASCP)
Phone: (512) 327-9767
Email: ddingley@austincc.edu
Office: TBA
Office Hours: Tuesday &
Thursday: 9:45 am - 10:30 am; 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm.
Length of Course: 8 Weeks
Total Number of Contact Hours:
Lecture Hours - 32
Laboratory - 48
Room Number:
Lecture - EVC9 9211
Laboratory - EVC9 9101
Time:
Lecture: Tuesday & Thursday: 8:00 am - 9:45 am
Laboratory: Tuesday & Thursday:
Section #1: 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Section #2: 12:35 – 2:35
Dates: January 19 – March 11, 2010
Course
Description:
A study of the taxonomy,
morphology, and pathogenesis of human parasites and fungi, including the
practical application of laboratory procedures, quality control, quality
assurance, and safety.
I. INTRODUCTION
This
course will acquaint the student with the subjects of clinical parasitology and
medical mycology. Parasite/host relationships and their effects, descriptions
of life cycles of parasites, microscopic examination and preservation of
specimens are stressed. General classification and characteristics of
pathogenic fungi are presented.
The
laboratory exercises will concentrate on preparation of specimens and
identification of organisms encountered in parasitology and mycology studies.
II. PREREQUISITES
None.
III. COURSE GOALS
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be
able to:
·
Examine
and determine suitability of specimens for examination.
·
Prepare
of preserve specimens for analysis.
·
Determine
the presence of and identify human parasites and fungal forms.
·
Demonstrate
and understanding of the life cycle and pathogenicity of parasites and fungi.
IV. SCANS COMPETENCIES
Recently,
the U.S. Department of Labor established the Secretary’s Commission on
Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) to examine the demands of the workplace and
whether the nation’s students are capable of meeting those demands. The
Commission determined that today’s jobs generally require competencies in the
following areas:
A. Resources:
Identifies, organizes, plans, and allocates resources.
B. Interpersonal:
Works with others.
C. Information:
Acquires and uses information.
D. Systems:
Understands complex interrelationships.
E. Technology: Works
with a variety of technologies.
The Texas
Higher Education Coordinating Board is now requiring all degree plans in
institutions of higher education incorporate these competencies and identify to
the student how these competencies are achieved in course objectives. In MLT
2603, Parasitology/Mycology, examples of SCANS competencies being incorporated
are as follows:
Resources:
Performs
technical procedures such as reagent preparation, specimen collection, and
processing of clinical specimens using a variety of standardized staining and
concentration of techniques; performs macroscopic and microscopic examinations
of processed specimens; detects and identifies stages of parasites present;
organizes work and allocates materials and supplies in an efficient manner.
Interpersonal:
Demonstrates
and understanding of the profession of Medical Laboratory Technician while
exhibiting professional and ethical behavior in dealing with patients and other
medical professionals; maintains a professional demeanor and appearance.
Information:
Evaluates
quality control results ascertaining that results are within established
parameters; reports out-of-range results to instructor; performs preventive
maintenance on laboratory equipment; understands and practices approved safety
techniques including Standard Precautions in all laboratory procedures; reports
any accident or harmful situation to instructor.
Systems:
Understands
and implements corrective action when quality control results fall outside
expected parameters; uses problem solving skills to troubleshoot unexpected
circumstances.
Technology:
Operates
basic laboratory equipment; understands the intended use, care, and mechanical
function of various types of microscopes and centrifuges; is competent in the
use of computers and common software.
V. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
A. Lecture
B. Demonstration
C. Laboratory Practice
D. Audio-Visual
programs
VI.
COURSE
MATERIALS
Required:
A.
The
student is responsible for printing out the lecture and laboratory materials.
B.
Three
ring binder with dividers.
C.
Sharpie
or other waterproof type marker.
D.
Gloves
– gloves do not have to be used when working with preserved samples.
E.
Digital
timer
F.
Black
or blue ink pen, NO PENCILS ARE ALLOWED
Recommended:
A.
Leventhal
& Cheadle, Medical Parasitology, A Self-Instructional Text, 5th Edition.
B. Reference:
Howard, B.J. et al, Clinical and Pathogenic Microbiology, 2nd edition. Mosby,
Inc.
C. Reference:
Monroe & Spencer, /Color Atlas of Intestinal Parasites. C.V. Thomas
Company.
VII. COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND REGULATIONS
A. Attendance Policy:
Lecture and Laboratory
It is the student’s decision to take this class. Therefore, once the student makes this decision, he/she has responsibilities to everyone else in the community of learners. It is this commitment to learning that will enable the student to progress satisfactorily towards completion of course objectives. Additionally, we want to set patterns of professional behavior as seen in the true clinical environment.
Important announcements are made at the beginning of class and may not be repeated. Regular and punctual attendance is required at all lecture and lab sessions. Due to the nature of our courses, each class serves as a building block of knowledge for the next class session. Class role will be taken during each class period. Each student is responsible for all assignments, materials, examinations etc. when absent from class. As a courtesy, notify your instructor of your absence as you would in a professional setting. All missed lab exercises must be completed to verify completion of the objectives. Make-up exercises or alternative learning experiences will be planned according to the limits set by the instructor. However, the amount of credit awarded for the exercise, will be no greater than 80%. Once a student has incurred 2 absences, for whatever reason, the progressive discipline policy will be initiated:
· 2 absences - verbal conference with instructor that will define what policy is not being met, as well as set up an action plan with a follow up conference date
· 3 absences - conference report with instructor stating what actions will be necessary to avoid probation
· 4 absences - probation
·
Withdrawal- terms of probation were not met.
Withdrawal is based on absences equal to or greater than 25% of the material.
B.
Behavioral
Conduct
While a student is representing Austin Community College as a Medical
Laboratory Technology student they will be expected to conduct themselves in
such a manner as to reflect favorably on themselves and on the Program. If a
student acts in such a manner as to reflect immature judgment or disrespect for
others, the student will be called before the MLT Department Chair for determination
of their status in the Program. Inappropriate conduct is grounds for activation
of the Progressive Discipline Policy (Warning, Conference, Probation, and
Withdrawal) and may be cause for immediate probation or dismissal from the
Program.
C.
Student
Assistance Policy
It is the sincere desire of the program faculty to aid each
student in developing his/her professional potential. Academic, clinical, and
those personal problems that interfere with the student’s development are of
concern to the faculty. The program faculty has adopted the following policy:
Personal Problems - The MLT student should feel free to make an
appointment to discuss problems of a personal nature with a faculty member of
his/her choice. In addition, the ACC counselors are available for student
counseling.
Academic Problems - Problems encountered in the MLT lecture and/or
laboratory sections should be brought to the attention of the course
instructor. The instructor will work with the student to resolve the problem.
If the student feels he/she cannot reach an agreement with the instructor, the
student should present the situation to the program department head. All
discussions with the faculty will remain confidential.
D.
Dress
Code
a. Hair: If the hair’s length is at or below
the shoulder, or if it has tendency to hang in the face, it must be drawn back;
such as in a clip or band.
b. Head coverings: Nothing shall be worn on the head
(baseball caps, scarves, hats, etc.) unless it is of a required religious
nature. If the head covering falls below the shoulders it must be tucked
securely inside the lab coat to prevent contamination by blood and/or body
fluids.
c. Beards: Male students must either shave
regularly or if they choose to wear a mustache and/or beard, must keep them
clean and well groomed.
d. Hygiene: Students shall not use perfume,
cologne or aftershave lotion. Conservatively applied makeup is permitted.
e. Fingernails: Fingernails must be kept clean and at
a reasonable length. Reasonable length is defined as 1/8" above the
fingertips. Artificial nails and nail jewelry are not to be worn. Clear or
light pink nail polish may be worn. Chipped nail polish is not permitted.
f. Jewelry: Jewelry should be limited to wedding
rings and a wrist watch. A conservative necklace that is kept close to the skin
(not dangling) and conservative earlobe earrings (no more than one pair) that
do not extend more than ½ inch below the earlobe are acceptable.
g. Lab Coat: At the beginning of the semester,
students will be provided one disposable lab coat. The lab coat must be worn,
buttoned from top to bottom, at all times when working with biological samples.
When not in use, the lab coat is to be stored in the student mail box. With
normal wear, the lab coat should last throughout one semester. If a spill
occurs or there is other major damage to the coat, another coat will be
provided.
Students not conforming to the dress code
may be sent home from class or clinical at the instructor's discretion. Any and
all class time missed will need to be made-up, regardless of reason.
VII. STUDENT
EVALUATION
A. Measurement,
Cognitive
Written examinations will be given at the end of each unit of
material and will comprehensively assess the student’s knowledge of concepts,
principles, techniques and procedures as related to the instructional material.
Students are expected to take all tests at the assigned time or will be given a
grade of “0". Retests may be given at the discretion of the instructor.
B. Measurement,
Practical
Proficiency in the laboratory will be measured by student
demonstration of required skills. In parasitology, points are awarded for
correct identification of assigned unknown specimens. During the study of
mycology, the student will be required to demonstrate basic skills related to
specimen preparation and identification.
C. Determination of
Final Grade
Lecture: 2/3 of Final Grade. Points generated
from examinations, computer exercises, assigned study questions, and review
articles make up ¾ of the lecture grade. A comprehensive final exam will make
up 1/4 of the lecture grade.
Laboratory: 1/3 of Final Grade
The points are achieved for successful identification of knowns,
unknowns and accurate completion of laboratory exercises. Additionally, at the
end of each section of material, a laboratory practical will be used to test
the ability of students to recognize organisms covered in that section. All
laboratory exercises including knowns, unknowns and study questions must be
turned in at the semesters end, preferably in a binder or notebook, for
validation by the instructor.
Grading System:
A = 90 - 100%
B = 80 - 89%
C = 75 - 79%
D = 60 - 74%
F = 59% or below
I = Incomplete. To receive and “I”, a student must have a passing
average (75% or better) and have complete at least 80% of the course work.
W = Withdrawal: Consult with your instructor before any
consideration of withdrawing. We want you to succeed, and we will assist you in
any way we can.
IX.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Under no circumstances shall a student
submit work that is not their own. Collusion, copying answers for study
questions, cheating on exams and/or submitting laboratory results which are not
your own are expressly prohibited. Collusion is defined as the unauthorized
collaboration with another person in preparing written work for fulfillment of
course requirements.
Faculty members who
suspect a student of cheating shall follow the “Academic dishonesty process”
published in the Austin Community College Student Handbook http://www.austincc.edu/handbook/ . Depending upon the severity of the offense either an academic penalty
or dismissal from the program will occur.
Academic dishonesty
such as, but not limited to, the following may result in IMMEDIATE dismissal
from the MLT program and withdrawal from all MLT courses. If the withdrawal
date has passed the student will be given a “D” for each course.
1. Submitting
homework assignments copied from others. Both the student and the student that
the materials were borrowed from will receive a “0" for the assignment and
may be subject to the Academic Dishonesty Process and dismissal from the
program.
2. Falsifying
laboratory results.
3. Printing
out examinations.- grade of “0" for the exam and immediate probation or
dismissal.
A.
A
minimum grade of “C” (75%) is required in all MLT courses. Failure to meet the
minimum passing score upon retesting may result in termination from the
program. Any student may be withdrawn from the program for excessive absences
(see Attendance Policy), consistently failing to meet class assignments,
disruptive conduct detrimental to the ethics of Medical Laboratory Technology.
B.
Any student may ultimately be
withdrawn from the program for excessive absences, consistently failing to meet
assignments, disruptive conduct, or for displaying conduct detrimental to the
ethics of Medical Laboratory Technology.
C.
The MLT program follows the college’s
general policies for student complaints as set forth in the ACC Student
Handbook. A copy of the student handbook is available at each campus’s
administrative offices, or may be downloaded from the ACC website at: http://www.austincc.edu/handbook/gen3.php.
D.
The MLT faculty and staff understand
that learning in group situations can be beneficial. However, each student is
expected to demonstrate their own competency by doing their own work. Any
student caught cheating on examinations, during lab practicals, copying written
work of another or sharing lab results will be subject to the ACC Academic
Discipline Policy which includes possible withdrawal from the program.
E.
Acts prohibited by the college for
which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including
but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized
collaboration with another in preparing outside work. Academic work submitted
by students shall be the result of their thought, research or self-expression.
Academic work is defined as, but not limited to, tests, quizzes, whether taken
electronically or on paper, projects, either individual or group; classroom
presentations, and homework. Please refer to the current Austin Community College
Student Handbook.
F.
Each student is strongly encouraged to
participate in class. In any classroom situation that includes discussion and
critical thinking, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. These
differences enhance the learning experience and create an atmosphere where
students and instructors alike will be encouraged to think and learn. On
sensitive and volatile topics, students may sometimes disagree not only with
each other but also with the instructor. It is expected that faculty and
students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom
discussions.
XI.
STUDENT WITH DISABILITIES
Each Austin Community College campus
offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological
disabilities. Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations
through the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) on the campus where
they expect to take the majority of their classes. Students are encouraged to
do this three weeks before the start of the semester. Students can obtain
complete information from the OSD website at http://www.austincc.edu/support/osd/index.php
or through the Office for Students with Disabilities on the campus where they
expect to take the majority of their classes; for locations see http://www.austincc.edu/support/osd/contact.php
XII.
SPECIAL LABORATORY REQUIREMENTS
It is the
responsibility of the student to prepare for each lecture/laboratory session.
Each student is responsible for his/her own work station. The instructor
reserves the right to give an unannounced quiz at any time.
·
Blood
and fecal samples possibly containing pathogenic organisms will be used in this
course; therefore, standard precautions must be observed.
·
Eating,
drinking, or smoking in the laboratory is strictly prohibited. Avoid putting
objects in your mouth.
·
Wear
gloves when working with unpreserved body specimens.
·
Hands
must be washed when leaving the laboratory for any reason.
·
The
working area must be thoroughly disinfected after each use with 10% bleach
solution.
·
Spills
must be disinfected by covering with paper towels, soaking thoroughly with
disinfectant, and waiting 15 minutes before cleaning.
·
All
accidents are to be reported immediately to the laboratory
supervisor/instructor.
XII.
WEATHER DELAYS AND CANCELLATIONS
ACC may cancel classes due to
inclement weather. If classes are in session, the campus manager or a designee
will notify instructors and students of canceled classes. If classes are not in
session, ACC will notify the public through local radio and television stations
as well as ACC’s Channel 19. Students, instructors, and staff should consult
local media regarding resumption of classes. To comply with the Texas Education
Code, make-up classes may be scheduled.
XIII.
MATERIALS OF INSTRUCTION
Computer
materials may be handed out. All computers in the MLT student laboratory
contain “bookmarks” to Web Sites the student will find useful in this course.
LECTURE AND READING ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE
|
Date Week 1 Week 2 |
Topic Introduction to Clinical Parasitology; Laboratory Methods; Helminths Helminths, cont. |
Assignments Course Syllabus; Text; Student Lecture Guide Text; Student Lecture Guide |
|
Exam 1 - Terms & Procedures |
||
|
Week 3 Week 4 |
Helminths cont.; Protozoa Protozoa, cont. |
Text; Student Lecture Guide Text; Student Lecture Guide |
|
Exam II - Helminths |
||
|
Week 5 |
Protozoa, cont.; Arthropods |
Text; Student Lecture Guide |
|
Exam III - Protozoa & Arthropods |
||
|
Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 |
Introduction to Mycology; Laboratory Procedures; Immunology of Fungi; Identification of Clinically Important Fungi Fungal Contaminants; Opportunistic Fungi; Superficial Mycoses; Dermatophytes Subcutaneous Mycoses; Systemic Mycoses |
Text; Student Lecture Guide Text; Student Lecture Guide Text; Student Lecture Guide |
|
Exam IV - Final Examination |
||
INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES AND COURSE OUTLINE
Parasitology
|
Instructional Objectives |
Course Outline |
|
Upon completion of this material, the student should be able to: |
Where the objective is located: |
|
Describe the importance of parasites in relation to patients who are at risk of acquiring parasitic infections; describe what populations are and are not expected to harbor a multitude of parasitic infections Define the terms parasite, definitive host, intermediate host, reservoir host, vector, mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism Describe various ways a parasite can damage the host Describe the various modes of parasite transmission Evaluate the types of specimens submitted for diagnosis of parasites List substances which may interfere with stool examination; associate the stages of parasites expected in stool specimens of different consistencies Describe methods used for submitting stool specimens to the laboratory Evaluate preservatives used to collect stool specimens for parasitological examination |
I. Introduction II. Specimen Collection A. Type of Specimens B. Contaminates; Stool Specimen Consistency C. Collection Methods D. Fixatives and Preservatives |
|
Describe the contents of stool collections kits. Describe the minimum number and time frame for collecting stool specimens Describe in detail the procedure for gross examination of stool specimens Describe the purpose of a “ direct wet film” State the purpose of “stained wet mount” Evaluate flotation vs. sedimentation concentration techniques. State the advantages and disadvantages of various permanent staining techniques; describe factors that may affect permanent staining Evaluate other tests that aid in diagnosis or evaluation of parasitic infections. |
E. Stool Collection Kits F. Specimen Collection III. Techniques for Stool Examination A. Gross Examination B. Direct Wet Mounts C. Stained Wet Mounts D. Concentration Techniques E. Permanent Stained Smears IV. Special Techniques A. Special Stains B. Serology C. Molecular Methodologies D. Quantitative Egg Count E. Culture Techniques F. Animal Inoculation; xenodiagnosis |
|
Discuss the use of other specimens in diagnosing specific parasitic infections. Describe the procedure for preparing thick and thin blood films; describe the procedure for staining blood films Discuss the life cycle of each parasite studied; discuss the infective and diagnostic stages of each parasite studied Discuss the diagnostic morphology of each parasite studied. Discuss the epidemiology and pathology of each parasite studied |
V. Use of other Specimens A. Cellophane tape Swabs B. Genital Specimens C. Urine D. Sputum E. Aspirates & Biopsies F. Sigmoidoscopy G. Abscess Material H. Muscle Biopsy VI. Procedures for Detecting Blood & Tissue Parasites A. Collection of Blood Samples B. Examination of Blood Samples C. The Nematodes D. The Cestodes E. The Trematodes F. The Protozoa G. The Arthropods |
Mycology
|
Instructional Objectives |
Course Outline |
|
Upon completion of this material, the student should be able to: |
Where the objective is located: |
|
Define Mycology Differentiate between molds and yeast Define the basic terms used to describe the fungi both microscopically and macroscopically Discuss the various classifications of the Fungi Discuss the procedures used in properly collecting specimens for mycology Discuss the reasons for Direct Examination of every mycology specimen Discuss the use of various stains used in mycology examinations Discuss various techniques and media used for cultivating fungi; discuss the effects of time and temperature on fungal growth; define rapid, intermediate and slow growth rates |
I. Overview of Mycology II. Definitions III. Classifications of Fungi A. Geographic Grouping B. Epidemiological Grouping C. Taxonomic Grouping D. Topographic Grouping IV. Laboratory Methods in Mycology A. Collection, Handling & Processing Clinical Mycology Specimens B. Direct Examination of Specimens 1. Saline Wet Mount 2. KOH Preparation C. Stains 1. Lactophenol cotton blue 2. PAS 3. Methenamine Silver 4. Acid-Fast Stains E. Fungal Culturing 1. Media 2. Agar Types 3. Special Applications Agar 4. Acid-Fast Stains |
|
Describe the methods of inoculation of various media for fungal isolation Discuss the terms used to describe colony morphology Compare teased mount and slide culture techniques; describe morphological features used to identify fungi on these preparations Discuss biochemical studies of the Fungi Discuss “germ tubes and chlamydospores” Discuss the use of skin tests and serology in identifying mycoses Discuss the properties of fungal contaminants Discuss conditions in which a saprophyte might serve as an opportunistic pathogen Discuss the diseases caused by opportunistic pathogens |
I. Techniques for isolation of fungi B. Inoculation C. Incubation D. General Considerations K. Colony Morphology M. Microscopic Evaluation 1. Methods 2. Terms used to describe microscopic features 1. Biochemical Studies a. Carbohydrate fermentation b. Carbohydrate assimilation c. Nitrogen assimilation 1. Other Tests 1. Serological tests 2. Hypersensitivity I. Saprophytes B. Contaminants C. Medium used to Inhibit growth D. Groupings E. Members |
|
Discuss the yeast including which tests are used to differentiate them; germ tube, carbohydrate assimilation and fermentation, capsule production, pigment production Discuss the diseases caused by the yeasts: candidiasis, cryptococcosis, geotrichosis, torulopiasis Discuss the bacteria-like fungi Discuss the terms “sulfur granules” and actinomycotic mycetoma, nocardiosis Discuss the term Biphasic or Dimorphic Discuss the dimorphic organisms and the disease they cause Describe the mycoses based upon “body site” List the diseases and causes of superficial mycoses List the diseases and causes of cutaneous mycoses List the diseases and causes of the subcutaneous mycoses |
I. Yeasts I. Bacteria-like Fungus IX. Biphasic fungi A. Sporothrix schenkii B. Coccidioides immitis C. Histoplasma capsulatum D. Blastomyces dermatitidis E. Paracoccidioides braziliensis I. Types of Mycoses based on Body Site A. Superficial mycoses B. Cutaneous mycoses C. Subcutaneous mycoses |
|
List the diseases and causes of the systemic mycoses Discuss safety precautions when handling suspected systemic mycoses |
D. Systemic mycoses |
|
|
|