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African Illness: A Case of Parasites?
Author: |
Kevin M. Bonney |
Abstract: | This case is based on a British patient presenting to a hospital with an array of symptoms after returning from an African safari. Students learn about potential causes of the symptoms based on the patient's potential exposure to parasites endemic to Africa, specifically those that cause African trypanosomiasis (also known as "African sleeping sickness") and malaria. Students research the various aspects of parasite biology, synthesize a diagnostic plan for the patient, and develop a public health campaign aimed at eradicating the parasite from humans and livestock in an African community. The case is appropriate for courses in introductory biology, immunology, microbiology, parasitology, public health, tropical diseases, and African studies. |
Objectives: |
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Keywords: | African sleeping sickness; African trypanosomiasis; adaptive immunity; antibodies; antigenic variation; immunoglobulins; Nagana; parasites; parasitemia; protozoan; Trypanosoma brucei; variant surface glycoprotein; VSG; Nagana; Africa |
Topical Area: | N/A |
Educational Level: | High school, Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division, Graduate, Continuing education |
Formats: | |
Type/Method: | Discussion, Interrupted, Student Presentations |
Language: | English |
Subject Headings: | Biology (General) Cell Biology Epidemiology Molecular Biology Biochemistry Medicine (General) Microbiology Public Health |
Date Posted: | 6/21/2012 |
Date Modified: | N/A |
Copyright: | Copyright held by the National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science, University at Buffalo, State University of New York. Please see our usage guidelines, which outline our policy concerning permissible reproduction of this work. |
Teaching Notes
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Answer Key
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