Mycology and Parasitology

Module details

Title

Mycology and Parasitology

Type

Specialist

Module code

SLS223

Credits

10

Requirement

Compulsory

Aim of this module

This module will provide the trainee with knowledge and understanding of fungal and parasitic infections and their role in health and disease, including the role of the clinical microbiology laboratory. In the work-based module they will be expected to apply this knowledge as they perform and interpret a range of clinical and laboratory investigations used in the diagnosis and management of fungal and parasitic diseases, including health and safety issues and the reporting of results in the correct clinical context.

Competencies

#	Learning outcome	Competency	Action
# 1	Learning outcome 1,6	Competency Receive, process and store clinical and environmental specimens referred for mycology investigation, to include: fungal investigations parasitic investigations.	Action View
# 2	Learning outcome 2	Competency Perform assays to investigate endemic fungal infections.	Action View
# 3	Learning outcome 2	Competency Perform clinical and laboratory investigations of superficial fungal infections of: skin hair nails mucous membranes.	Action View
# 4	Learning outcome 3	Competency Perform assays for parasitology investigations, including: malaria intestinal protozoa intestinal helminths leishmaniasis trypanosomiasis filariasis schistosomiasis.	Action View
# 5	Learning outcome 4	Competency Interpret and report the results of the laboratory investigation of patients being investigated for fungal infection.	Action View
# 6	Learning outcome 5	Competency Advise on management of fungal infection.	Action View
# 7	Learning outcome 5	Competency Recommend management of endemic parasitic infections.	Action View
# 8	Learning outcome 4	Competency Interpret and report the results of the laboratory investigation of patients being investigated for parasitic infection.	Action View
# 9	Learning outcome 6	Competency Perform quality assurance and quality control tasks within the laboratory in the investigation of parasitic and fungal infections (including the monitoring the effectiveness of therapeutic agents).	Action View

Assessments

You must complete:

• 2 case-based discussion(s)
• 2 of the following DOPS/ OCEs:

Pepare, examine and identify gastrointestinal parasites in five stool samples using light microscopy	DOPS
Prepare and examine ten thick and thin blood films for the diagnosis of malaria. Identify the species and percentage parasitaemia	DOPS
Prepare and examine blood films for the diagnosis and identification of blood parasites other than malaria.	DOPS
Identify dermatophytes using microscopy and culture	DOPS
Identify yeasts using microscopy, culture and commercially available systems	DOPS
Perform and interpret a malaria antigen detection assay	DOPS
Isolate and identify fungal isolates from clinically significant sites e.g. ENT, respiratory	DOPS
Under supervision obtain a patient history from a normal volunteer or typical patient referred to your service and present the findings to a colleague or peer	OCE
Participate in a multidisciplinary clinical meeting ward round where the management of fungal infections in the immunocompomised is discussed	OCE

Learning outcomes

1. Receive, process and store clinical and environmental specimens referred for mycology investigation in line with health and safety and laboratory procedures.
2. Perform clinical and laboratory investigation of fungal diseases, including management, health and safety issues and the reporting of results in the correct clinical context.
3. Perform clinical and laboratory investigation parasitic diseases, including management, health and safety issues, and the reporting of results in the correct clinical context.
4. Interpret and report on clinical and laboratory investigations and management of parasitic and fungal diseases.
5. Work in partnership with other clinical specialisms in the investigation and management of fungal and parasitic diseases.
6. Comply with quality management system in the laboratory (and point of care) associated with investigation of the pathogens related to this module.

Learning outcomes

1. Describe the pathogenesis of important fungal and parasitic diseases.
2. Discuss the clinical presentation of patients with fungal and parasitic infections.
3. Describe and evaluate the clinical and laboratory investigation, diagnosis and management of patients with fungal and parasitic infections.
4. Describe the design, operation and performance of a range of techniques, including test selection used in the isolation and identification of fungi and parasites causing infectious disease.
5. Explain the relevant health and safety issues associated with fungal and parasite identification.
6. Evaluate the role of specialist microbiology laboratories in the investigation of patients with fungal or parasitic infection.
7. Describe and evaluate the partnership between the clinical microbiology laboratory and other clinical specialisms in the investigation and management of fungal and parasitic infections and patient care.

Indicative content

• Fungal replication and modes of transmission
• Parasitic life cycles and modes of transmission
• Pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical investigation and management of fungal infection
• Pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical investigation and management of parasitic infection
• Commonly encountered fungal and parasitic infections
• Test selection criteria
• Diagnostic tools for detection and identification of fungal and parasitic infections
• Investigation and reporting of fungi and parasites
• Principles and practice of treatment of fungal and parasitic infection
• Microbiology health and safety legislation and its application within the laboratory
• Current and new technological developments
• Emerging fungal and parasitic diseases
• Role of specialised microbiology laboratories in mycology and parasitology

Activities

• Identify at least one patient who has been identified for treatment and management parasitic or fungal disease. Participate in multidisciplinary review meetings at which the case is discussed. Report on the progress, outcome, patient experience, effectiveness of investigation and efficacy of treatment, including implications for your future practice.
• Prepare a portfolio of relevant clinical cases. Describe the clinical outcome and learning points.
• Participate in multidisciplinary review meetings at which patients with parasitic infection are discussed. Prepare a portfolio of relevant clinical cases. Describe the clinical outcome and learning points.