This 1-day short-course provides an intensive update on the morphology and diagnostic aspects of all human malaria species, trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis and filariasis. It is ideal preparation for the Royal College of Pathologists’ morphology exams for haematology trainees – we have applied for formal accreditation – and as a refresher course for consultants. Most of the course involves microscopy, with a high tutor-to-participant ratio, but there will also be demonstrations and short presentations by specialist staff.

Teaching approaches:

• Presentations introducing the concepts and principles
• Interactive hands-on sessions, experiential learning
• Self-study and practice

Please note that we also regularly deliver other diagnostic parasitology short-courses, including the 2-day Laboratory Diagnosis of Malaria and other Blood Parasites course, so please contact us at diagnosticscourses@lstmed.ac.uk to discuss if you are unsure which course is most suitable.

Course content

1. Hands-on training of morphological identification of parasites using a microscope
2. Malaria - recognition of parasites
3. Recognition and diagnosis of haemoflagellates (Trypanosoma and Leishmania parasites) and filarial nematodes

After registration and Health and Safety induction, participants will move to the laboratory for the morning session (2.5 hours) on malaria parasites. The afternoon session (1.5 hours) will look at haemoflagellates (Trypanosoma and Leishmania) and filarial nematodes. The day will conclude with a self-assessment session (2 hours), where participants will apply their diagnostic skills to ‘unknown’ test slides, supported by tutors. There will be regular breaks throughout the day.

Course tutors

Kelly Johnston

Senior Lecturer in Tropical Disease Biology

Imelda Bates

Professor of Tropical Haematology

Dagnall Laboratory Teaching staff