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Parasite Information and Courses from MediaLab, Inc.

These are the MediaLab courses that cover Parasite and links to relevant pages within the course.

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Laboratories Individuals

CLIA Chemistry / Urinalysis Review
Identify the urine sediment element shown by the arrow:View Page

CLIA Hematology / Hemostasis Review
The abnormal RBC indicated by the arrow in this illustration is indicative of:View Page

CLIA Microbiology / Serology Review
This intestinal parasite, found in stool, measures 170 micro meters by 63 micro meters.View Page
This parasite is found in blood.View Page
This parasite resides in human intestine.View Page
This suspicious form was found in stool.View Page
Which of the following statements about Rickettsia is false:View Page
Which one of the following statements about Coxiella burnetii is not true:View Page
Which of the following parasites enters its host through ingestion of infected food:View Page
Which of the following organisms is an obligate intracellular parasite:View Page
The Iodine prep method is used to detect which of the following protozoan stages:View Page
Which of the following would be considered the definitive host of a parasite:View Page
Which of the following parasites is not commonly found in the peripheral blood:View Page
Which one of the following parasites must migrate through the circulation before maturing in the portal venous system:View Page
Which one of the following is not a true statement about Chlamydia:View Page

Laws and Rules of the Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel
Description of Specialties (1)

Specialists in microbiology perform testing to diagnose and stop the spread of infectious organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Specialists should be able to isolate and identify a wide variety of these organisms. Testing procedures include direction examination and antigen detection methods. Specialists in serology and immunology measure antibodies to infectious organisms. Specialists should be familiar with all serology techniques (except those specific to immunohematology). This specialty includes all lab procedures performed in the specialty of histocompatibility. Specialists in hematology must be able to identify and evaluate cells in blood and bone marrow and identify disorders of these cell. Specialists should be familiar with routine and special tests to determine the number, morphology, and function of cells in body fluid.

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Parasitology Review
Which of the following morphologic forms serve as the diagnostic stage(s) of the amebae:View Page
The intestinal amebae are primarily transmitted by:View Page
Match each parasite listed here with its corresponding infective stage:View Page
Match each parasite listed here with its corresponding infective stage:View Page
Arrange the following parasites in order according to life cycles from simple to most complex:View Page
Which ameba listed here has a flagellate form as part of its life cycle?View Page
Match each parasite listed here with its corresponding diagnostic stage:View Page
Arrange the following phases of the hookworm life cycle in order beginning with human contact:View Page
Which of the parasites listed here is/are transmitted via ingestion of contaminated pork?View Page
The trophozoite is the only morphologic form in the life cycle of:View Page
Match each parasite listed here with its corresponding insect vector:View Page
Which of the following parasites may be contracted by swimming in contaminated water?View Page
Houseflies are a possible transmission for which of these categories of parasites?View Page
Arrange the following Plasmodium morphologic forms in order from immature to mature:View Page
Match each vector listed here with its respective parasite:View Page
Which of these parasites may be contracted by swimming in infected water?View Page
The adult worms of which of the following parasites reside in human intestine?View Page
Which of the following parasites have/has a life cycle that resembles that of the Plasmodium species?View Page
Which of the following parasites migrate either to or through the lungs in their corresponding life cycle?View Page
Match each parasite listed here with its respective mode of human transmission: (answers may be used more than once)View Page
The specimen of choice for the recovery of Entamoeba hartmanni is:View Page
The avoidance of laboratory diagnosis techniques that utilize water is recommended for the identification of which of these parasites? View Page
Serologic methods have been developed to identify which of these parasites?View Page
Which of the following characteristics should be observed for and noted in the macroscopic examination of a stool sample for parasites?View Page
Arrange the major steps of the ethyl acetate concentration procedure in order of completion:View Page
Which of the following specimen processing techniques is based on the principle that parasites are heavier than sample debris and will be present in the sediment after being processed?View Page
Match each parasite listed here with the appropriate laboratory technique that may be used for its identification: Each answer may only be used once.View Page
Which of the following is the recommended protocol for collecting stool samples in order to rule out a parasitic infection?View Page
Which of the these substances, when present in a sample, may mask parasites?View Page
The ideal stool sample for parasitic examination is one that is freshly collected and submitted to the laboratory at:View Page
Suppose that a stool sample was submitted to the laboratory for O & P examination. Macroscopic examination revealed a chalky-clay colored sample. If you were the alert clinical laboratory scientist on duty, which of the following would be the proper protocol would you follow in handling this sample?View Page
Arrange the four layers of material visible in the conical tube after the ethyl acetate concentration procedure has been performed in order from top to bottom:View Page
Suppose that a stool specimen was received in the laboratory for an O & P examination. The clinical laboratory scientist on duty performed direct wet preparations and found suspicious forms. An ethyl acetate concentration procedure was done, the top layer was examined, and no suspicious forms were seen. A slide of the sample was stained with Trichrome and again suspicious forms were noted. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for these discrepant results?View Page
Which of the following is considered as the technique of choice for identifying the oocysts of Isospora belli and Cryptosporidium parvum?View Page
Although not always the most practical, animal inoculation may be used to identify which of the following conditions?View Page
Which of the following safety measures must be in place when handling initial samples for parasite study?View Page
A specimen suspected of containing which organism may be cultured by placing it on an agar plate seeded with gram negative rods?View Page
This parasite may inhabit the small intestine or take up residence in the bile ducts. It typically measures 145 µm by 75 µm.View Page
This intestinal parasite, which measures 5 µm, is usually not visible in samples processed using standard permanent stains. Special staining, as indicated by the coloring here, is helpful in its identification.View Page
This intestinal parasite, found in stool, measures 170 µm by 63 µm.View Page
This parasite was found on a blood smear.View Page
This parasite resides in human intestine.View Page
This suspicious form was found on a blood smear.View Page
This suspicious form was found on a blood smear.View Page
This suspicious form was found in stool.View Page
This suspicious form was recovered in stool.View Page
Which of the following parasites causes both intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis?View Page
A 20 year-old female was admitted into the hospital complaining of 10 to 15 bloody mucous stools per day, fever, gastrointestinal disturbances, abdominal pain, and nausea. The preliminary O & P report went out as "Probable Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites and cysts, confirmation pending." This patient is most likely suffering from:View Page
Match each organism with its respective associated condition:View Page
Which parasite listed here is capable of crossing the placenta and causing serious harm to fetus?View Page
Immunocompromised patients, such as those with AIDS are at an increased risk of contracting which of the following conditions?View Page
Match each parasite listed below with its corresponding respective associated condition:View Page
This parasite and Trichomonas tenax are both considered as oral non-pathogens.View Page
Which parasite listed below causes West African Sleeping Sickness?View Page
This stool parasite measures 135 µm by 50 µm and is the causative agent of:View Page
This stool parasite measures 55 µm by 50 µm and is the causative agent of:View Page
This parasite, found in striated muscle, is responsible for which of the following conditions?View Page
Which of the following symptoms are associated with an infection of the parasite pictured below?View Page
Perianal itching is the major symptom of infection with both forms of the organism pictured here. This parasite is the causative agent of:View Page
Which of the following parasites is the causative agent of swamp fever?View Page
Arrange the following hookworm symptoms in order of their occurance based on the parasite's migration through the body beginning with human transmission:View Page
This suspicious form, recovered in stool, measures 165 µm by 65 µm. It is responsible for causing:View Page
Match each parasite named below with its respective primary symptom:View Page
Which of the following conditions may be associated with the presence of this stool parasite?View Page
Match each pictured parasite with its corresponding associated condition:View Page
Entamoeba, Endolimax, and Iodamoeba are members of which of subphylum?View Page
The class of protozoa with no apparent organelles for locomotion is known as:View Page
Which of the following parasites is/are considered as atrial ameba(e)?View Page
Which of the following parasites typically survive human stomach juices?View Page
Match each parasite listed here with its corresponding classification: (Answers may be used more than once)View Page
Binary fission is the means of reproduction for which of the following groups of parasites?View Page
Protozoal parasites that typically do not produce disease in humans are referred to as being:View Page
Parasites that belong to the category Sporozoa are also known as:View Page
Match each parasite name listed below with its corresponding picture:View Page
Match each parasite pictured with its respective classification:View Page
Match each parasite with its respective classification:NOTE: Answers may be used more than once.View Page
Match each parasite pictured with its respective classification:View Page
Match the parasite pictured with its corresponding name & morphologic form(s):View Page
Match each parasite listed here with its corresponding optimal specimen type from which it may be recovered: (Answers may be used more than once.)View Page
Match each parasite listed here with its corresponding optimal specimen type from which it may be recovered: (Answers may be used more than once.)View Page
Which of the following parasites resembles Entamoeba histolytica but lack ingested red blood cells in the trophozoite form?View Page
Match each parasite listed here with its respective means of locomotion: (Answers may be used more than once.)View Page
Human infection with flukes is called:View Page
Match each common name of the helminth groups with its respective scientific name:View Page
Match each parasite listed here with its respective common name:View Page
Which of these parasites are hermaphroditic in their adult phase?View Page
Match each parasite name with its respective common name:View Page
Arrange the following parasites in order (smallest to largest) based on relative egg size:View Page
Match each parasite listed here with the pictures of its corresponding egg:Note: Answers may be used more than once.View Page
Match each parasite listed here with the picture of its corresponding egg:Note: Answers may be used more than once.View Page
Match each parasite name listed here with its corresponding picture.View Page
Match each parasite listed here with its respective classification:View Page
Match each parasite listed here with its respective classification:View Page
Match each parasite listed here with its respective picture:View Page
Stool is the specimen of choice for the recovery of which of the following parasites?View Page
Which of the following parasites is/are typically recovered in sputum samples?View Page
Match each parasite listed here with its respective classification:View Page
Match each parasite listed here with its respective common name:View Page
Which of the following parasites lay live larvae?View Page
Match each parasite listed here with its corresponding optimal specimen type from which it may be recovered:View Page
Dracunculus medinensis belongs to this category of parasites:View Page
Humans serve as accidental hosts in the life cycles of which of these this parasites?View Page
Which of the following parasites, whose common names are listed below, is/are intestinal in nature?View Page
Arrange the parasites listed here in order based on relative size from largest to smallest:View Page
Match each helminth larval stage listed here with its corresponding parasite category: (Answers may be used more than once.)View Page
The eggs of this parasite arrange themselves in membrane-enclosed clusters known as packets:View Page
Which of the following parasites is/are known to contain cytoplasmic ingested red blood cells in the trophozoite morphologic form?View Page
The small mass of chromatin located in the amebic parasites is termed:View Page
The nuclei of which of the following parasites lack peripheral chromatin?View Page
Arrange these parasites in order by general relative size from smallest to largest:View Page
Match each parasite listed here with its corresponding typical nuclear appearance:View Page
Match each pair of parasites listed here with the key morphologic characteristics that help to distinguish between them:View Page
Match each parasite listed here with the key characteristic that aids in its identification:View Page
Match each parasite with the key characteristic that aids in its identification: (Each answer may only be used once.)View Page
Arrange the following parasites in decreasing order (from large to small) based on relative size:View Page
Arrange the parasites listed here in increasing order (starting with none) based on the length of their undulating membranes:View Page
Match each parasite listed here with its corresponding key identifying characteristic found in the egg morphologic form:View Page
Label the morphologic structures on this parasite form:View Page
Label the morphologic structures on this parasite form:View Page
Label the morphologic structures on this parasite form:View Page
Label the morphologic structures on this parasite form:View Page
Label the morphologic structures on this parasite form:View Page
Label the morphologic structures on this parasite form:View Page
Match each parasite morphologic form with its respective key morphologic key characteristic:View Page
Label the morphologic structures on this parasite form:View Page
Label the morphologic structures on this parasite form:View Page
A 35 year old male presented to the local clinic complaining of abdominal cramps, severe diarrhea, and intestinal gas discomfort. A stool was collected for parasite examination. It was foul-smelling and light colored in nature. This suspicious form was recovered and measured 10 µm by 12 µm. The patient is infected with:View Page
A 55 year old female, who recently returned from an extensive trip to China, presented to her physician complaining of diarrhea and abdominal cramps. The doctor ordered a complete blood count (CBC), chem 21 panel, and stool for culture and parasite examination (O & P). The CBC revealed pronounced eosinophilia. The chem 21 and stool culture were unremarkable. The O & P revealed suspicious forms like the one below that each measured approximately 140 µm by 80 µm. This patient is most likely infected with:View Page
A 43 year old female presented to her doctor for a routine check-up. Her only complaint was that she had been experiencing watery stools that occasionally contained pus and blood. Examination revealed tenderness in her abdomen. A stool for parasite study was sent to the lab. Two suspicious forms were seen. The oblong form on measured 53 µm by 60 µm whereas the rounder form measured 45 µm by 37 µm. Use the pulldown boxes to identify each picture:View Page
A 27 year old male was seen in the emergency room complaining of diarrhea. He had no other symptoms and was in very good health. The doctor ordered a stool for culture and parasite study. The culture revealed no enteric pathogens. This suspicious form was seen on the wet preparations and the permanent stain. It measured 16 µm. With which of the following parasites is this patient most likely infected?View Page
A 31 year old male missionary worker recently returned from Africa where he helped a small rural community update their sanitation practices. He presented to his physician weak and complained of recent weight loss, abdominal pain, and diarrhea that was often bloody. The doctor ordered a battery of tests including a complete blood count (CBC) and stool for parasite examination. The CBC revealed eosinophilia and anemia. This suspicious form was seen on the wet preparations. It measured 52 µm by 27 µm. What parasite is mostly likely present?View Page
A 44 year old female immigrant from Southeast Asia presented to the local clinic complaining of fever, chills, diarrhea and weakness. Patient history revealed that the woman worked in a research laboratory in her homeland. Her primary project was to develop an effective insecticide for the dreaded sandfly. The doctor decided to culture her blood for parasites. This form, measuring 14 µm, was recovered. The patient is most likely suffering from:View Page
A 50 year old male domestic airline pilot was rushed to the hospital after complaining of tremendous fluid loss due to severe diarrhea. History revealed that the patient was diagnosed with AIDS 6 months ago. The doctor ordered a battery of tests including a stool for parasite examination. Since the sample was properly labeled indicating that the patient was immunocompromised, the lab performed both the standard processing procedures and a modified acid-fast (mod AFB) stain. The mod AFB stain revealed this suspicious form which measured a mere 4 µm. This patient is most likely infected with:View Page
An 18 year old female athlete, who recently competed in a barefoot run for charity in Southern Georgia, presented to her doctor for a routine check-up. Other than complaining of being exhausted and having occasional diarrhea, she was in good health. The doctor ordered a stool for culture and parasite examination. The culture was negative. Numerous suspicious forms, as that shown here, were seen upon microscopic examination of the stool. The name of this suspicious form is:View Page
A 12 year old female went to her doctor for her yearly back-to-school check-up. She was in good health and was asymptomatic at the time of the examination. Due to the increased incidence of parasites in the area, the doctor ordered a stool for parasite examination as part of the routine physical testing. Multiple suspicious forms, measuring approximately 9 µm each were seen. Which of the following is most likely the identification of these forms?View Page
A 45 year old mother of two went to her physician because her children were recently diagnosed with ascariasis and she was concerned that she had also contracted the disease. Other than complaining of recent sporadic diarrhea, she was in overall good health. The doctor ordered a stool for ova & parasite examination. This suspicious form, measuring 55 µm was seen throughout the sample. This form is most likely:View Page
A 16 year old male champion athlete went to his doctor complaining of a persistent cough, fever, bloody diarrhea and overall weakness. Upon questioning the patient, it was learned that he had recently competed in a freshwater swimming competition in the Caribbean. Examination revealed a dermatitis on the patient's right calf. A battery of tests were ordered including a CBC, chemistry profile, and a stool for culture and parasitic examination. The CBC revealed the presence of eosinophilia. The other hematology and chemistry tests were unremarkable. The culture was negative. This suspicious form was seen on all parasite preparations made from the stool sample submitted. This form measures 165 µm by 68 µm. This patient is most likely suffering from an infection with:View Page
A 65 year old Asian female presented to the emergency room exhibiting severe abdominal pain, fever and diarrhea. Examination revealed an enlarged liver that was tender to the touch. Patient history revealed that the woman worked in a fish processing plant for years prior to moving to the United States. Her diet was heavy in raw fish. Stool and duodenal contents were collected and sent to the laboratory for cultures and parasite examination. The cultures were unremarkable. This suspicious form was seen in both specimen types. It measures 27 µm by 14 µm. This patient is most likely suffering from:View Page
A 27 year old female graduate student recently returned from South America, where she completed a nature study of the rain forest. She spent months "living off the land." The woman went to her physician seeking treatment for a sinus infection, which she thought was responsible for several recent bouts of diarrhea. Upon questioning the patient, the doctor decided to collect stool for culture and parasitic examination. The stool culture was reported as "no enteric pathogens isolated." This suspicious form was seen on both wet preparations and on permanent stain. It measures 17 µm. The identify of this form is most likely:View Page
A 31 year old female with a known history of amebiasis, presented to her physician complaining of bloody diarrhea and fever. Previous patient history revealed that she lives in substandard conditions. Parasitic examination of the woman's stool revealed this suspicious form that measures 20 µm. The identification of this form is:View Page
A 10 year old male presented to the local Appalachian Mountain clinic complaining of vomiting, fever and severe abdominal pain. Patient history revealed that the child lives in the area in substandard conditions and receives only one balanced meal per day. A stool was collected and submitted for parasite study. This suspicious form, measuring 50 µm by 35 µm was found. This patient is most likely infected with:View Page
A 54 year old Finnish male presented at the local clinic with abdominal pain, weight loss, overall weakness and digestive discomfort. Patient history revealed that the man's diet was rich in raw fish. A complete blood count (CBC) was performed and revealed macrocytic anemia. A stool for parasitic examination was ordered. This suspicious form was seen upon initial screening of the sample. It measures 77 µm by 48 µm. This patient is most likely suffering from an infection with:View Page
A 17 year old female went to her doctor complaining of diarrhea. With the exception of seasonal allergies, she was in relatively good health. Patient history was unremarkable. A stool was submitted for culture and parasite examination. The culture was reported out as "no enteric pathogens isolated." This suspicious form was seen on wet preparation and permanent stain. It measures 27 µm. This patient is most likely suffering from which of the following conditions:View Page
A 40 year old male just returned from a six-month tour of the Far East. He went to his doctor upon his return complaining of weakness, diarrhea, fever and cough. Upon questioning the patient it was learned that he spent many an evening swimming in the various local fresh water ponds. The doctor, suspicious of a parasitic infection, ordered a stool for examination. Two suspicious forms were seen: form 1 is roundish and measures 77 µm by 62 µm. Form 2 is long and ladder-like and lays on the edge of form 1. What are these two structures?View Page
A 6 year old female presented to the local clinic complaining of intense perianal itching and diarrhea. The doctor ordered a cellophane tape prep and stool for routine culture and parasitic examination. The cellophane tape prep revealed suspicious form on the left. The stool culture was negative. The form on the right was seen upon examination of the stool for parasites, which measures 10 µm. Label these two suspicious forms:View Page
Parasitized animals that may serve as a source of infection for humans are called:View Page
The artifact that when seen is indicative of intestinal inflammation and is characteristic of a number of parasitic infections is known as (a):View Page
This parasite, found in stool, measures 60 µm by 45 µm. Name that parasite!View Page
This parasite was recovered in a veterinary stool sample. Which of the following human parasites does it most closely resemble.View Page
This parasite measures 28 µm by 17 µm. Its common name is:View Page
This parasite measure 50 µm by 30 µm. Its common name is:View Page
This suspicious form, recovered in stool, measures 120 µm by 63 µm. Name that parasite!View Page
The Enterotest may be used to recover which of the following parasites?View Page
Which of the following parasites may be recovered in the peripheral blood?View Page
Match each parasite with its associated outbreak:View Page
Xenodiagnosis has historically been used to identify:View Page
What term is defined as the presence of arthropods in or upon a human host:View Page
A parasite that takes up residence inside the human body host is called a/an:View Page
Which of the following parasites may be identified by being cultured?View Page
The presence of parasites in human blood is termed:View Page
This suspicious form, which measures 20 µm, was recovered in sigmoidoscopic material. Name that parasite!View Page
This suspicious form measures 18 µm and was seen in stool. Name that parasite!View Page

Reading Gram Stained Direct Smears
Fungal hyphae

Tubular filaments of fungi called hyphae may also be seen in a direct smear. Hyphae stain Gram positive and may branch or intertwine. Parasites can also be identified with the Gram stain, although it is not as sensitive as the special stains used for parasites. The Gram stain reaction and appearance can be used to identify most cellular material seen in a direct smear. The crystal violet may precipitate and can be seen on the slide. If the stain has precipitated, it must be refiltered before use.

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Red Cell Disorders: Peripheral Blood Clues to Nonneoplastic Conditions
Intracellular RBC Inclusions-G6PD (continued)

G6PD deficiency occurs in the same geographic distribution as malaria. It has been theorized that enzyme deficient cells are more resistant to malarial parasites than normal cells.When hemolysis is triggered, the appearance of the red blood cells is modulated by activity of the spleen.Spherocytes, schistocytes, and nucleated red blood cells may appear in the peripheral blood.Denatured hemoglobin removed by an active spleen may leave bite cells, identified by the arrows in this photomicrograph, suggesting the presence of G6PD deficiency.

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The Urine Microscopic: Microscopic Analysis of Urine Sediment
Parasites which can be found in urinary sediment include all of the following EXCEPT:View Page
Sudan III will confirm the presence of:View Page
Match the following.Note: Answers may be used more than once.View Page
Counting Elements

Next the number of RBCs, WBCs, epithelial cells, parasites, and fat will be counted. Move to the center of the coverslip and examine 10 fields under high power (40x) brightfield. Use phase-contrast as needed. Determine the average number of each element found and record the findings as number per high power field (#/HPF). An abundance of any one element may be recorded as >100/HPF when 1/4 field is counted and the total field is estimated to be greater than 200/HPF.

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Parasites

Parasites which may be found in urinary sediments include Trichomonas vaginalis, Enterobius vermicularis and Schistosoma haematobium. It is also important to note that parasites and parasitic ova may be seen in urine sediments as a result of fecal or vaginal contamination. This slide shows examples of Trichomonas vaginalis. In the female, Trichomonas is usually found as a contaminant from vaginal infection and is often accompanied by an increase in the number of white cells. Trichomonas is highly motile, measuring 5 - 15 microns with a characteristic pear shape. It has multiple anterior flagella and the nucleus is often apparent.

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Enterobius Vermicularis Pinworm Ova

Another parasite which may be seen in urine is the Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) ova. The ovum is ovoid in shape with one side flattened. The embryo is separated from the shell by a clear space.

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Schistosoma Haematobium Ova

The third parasite which may be seen is the Schistosoma haematobium ovum. This parasite is considered an important factor in the etiology of carcinoma of the bladder. The ova are elongated and are 60 X 160 microns. They are a yellowish color, slightly transparent, and possess a delicate terminal spine.

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White Cell and Platelet Disorders: Peripheral Blood Clues to Nonneoplastic Conditions
Select the letter representing the cell that may be seen in increased numbers in the peripheral blood smear in immediate hypersensitivity reactions:View Page


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