Molecular Detection of Parasitic Pathogens

Molecular Detection of Parasitic Pathogens represents the forefront of diagnostic parasitology, utilizing nucleic acid-based techniques for sensitive and specific identification of parasites. This advanced technical topic is designed for tertiary students in molecular biology, genetics, and biomedical science programs in Zambia. The module delves into the principles and applications of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), multiplex PCR, real-time PCR (qPCR), DNA sequencing, and microarray technology for parasite detection. It covers how these methods are used to diagnose low-level parasitemia in malaria, differentiate morphologically identical species (e.g., Entamoeba histolytica vs. dispar), identify drug resistance genes (e.g., PfCRT, PfDHFR in Plasmodium), and conduct epidemiological typing. Students will learn about target gene selection (e.g., 18S rRNA, kinetoplast DNA), nucleic acid extraction from various specimens, and result interpretation. Proficiency in this area is increasingly important for roles in reference laboratories, research institutions, and public health agencies involved in disease surveillance and elimination programs. It is a key topic for examinations in molecular diagnostics and advanced parasitology.