Nov 20 2014 Scientific Session 304-116-14 Toxoplasmosis Epidemiology and Diagnostic Considerations for Medical Laboratory Scientists

Kingsport, TN US
November 20, 2014

Course

Scientific Session 304-116-14: Toxoplasmosis: Epidemiology and Diagnostic Considerations for Medical Laboratory Scientists

Program Area: Microbiology
Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Contact Hours: 1.0
 

Description: Toxoplasmosis gondii is an obligate intercellular parasite that infects a wide variety of warm blooded mammals and birds. Cats are the only known host where sexual multiplications occurs and results in the dissemination of large quantities of oocysts (egg-like structures), often in the millions, into the envioronment where they are capable of infecting all types of warm-blooded animals (wildlife, companion animals, domestic livestock), including people. Once infected, these "intermediate hosts" unwittingly contribute to the maintenance and perpetuation of T. gondii infection in host populations when the parasite multiplies asexually in the tissues. People become infected with T. gondii by ingesting oocysts shed by cats into the enviornment, or by consumption of the infected meat products of domestic food animals and wildlife. The spectrum of disease produced by T. gondii ranges from clinically unapparent, to severe with neurologic impairment and death. All females (animals and people alike) are at risk for congenitally infecting their offspring when they acquire the parasite for the first time during pregnancy. Accurate serologic diagnosis of patients with suspected toxoplasmosis is necessary to rpovide physicians with information to prescribe approrpiate chemotherapeutic intervention for improving the health of the patient, and perhaps, the unborn child.

Course handouts can be downloaded from the link at the bottom of the page.

 


 

Learning Objectives

By the end of this presentation, the student will be:

1. Aware of the public health significance of Toxoplasmosis in human populations.
2. Able to describe the lifecycle biology and primary ways people become infected with Toxoplasma gondii.
3. Familar with the clinical features of disease produced by Toxoplasma gondii.
4. Familiar with the methodologies for demonstrating serum antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in clinical samples submitted to the laboratory.
5. Able to provide guidance and interpretation of serologic test results to medical personnel for clinical smaples submittted to the laboratory.

 

Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 Attendance
Course opens: 
11/11/2014
Course expires: 
12/06/2014
Event starts: 
11/20/2014 - 8:00am EST
Event ends: 
11/20/2014 - 5:00pm EST
Cost:
$0.00
Kingsport Center for Higher Education
300 West Market Street
Room 130
Kingsport, TN 37660
United States

Charles Faulkner, PhD
Assistant Professor of Veterinary Science (Clinical Parasitology), Lincoln Memorial University


Dr. Faulkner has indicated he has no financial relationships to disclose relevant to the content of this CME activity

Available Credit

  • 1.00 Attendance

Price

Cost:
$0.00
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