Clinical Parasitology is the study of Parasites as a causative agent of disease. Parasites can infect virtually any part of the body, including the digestive tract, blood, skin, and internal organs. They can be ingested, or transmitted by insect vectors. Humans can be primary or intermediate hosts. Parasites may be detected directly by microscopy, using various concentration and staining techniques. Antigen tests and serological tests may also be employed. This presentation will be a brief overview of this complex subject, covering the identification of commonly known as well as unusual parasites. Case studies will be used.

Bio Sketch
Linda obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Medical Technology from the University of Illinois in 1981, and her MBA in Health Care Administration from Dominican University in 1987. She started as a Bench Tech in the Department of Microbiology at Northwestern, covering Bacteriology, Mycology, and Parasitology. Her current position is Senior Technologist, and she manages the Parasitology Lab. She has guest lectured at Indiana University, and presented talks on Malarial Parasites at area hospitals. She is a highly regarded clinical microscopist, and has participated in several projects and publications comparing methods of diagnosing and speciating Malaria. Linda is a graduate of the SMSI's courses in microscopy, and was a founding member of the SMSI's Student Chapter. She had the pleasure of attending Inter/Micro conferences, both in Chicago and Cambridge.