Semester 1

MODULE 30: MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY II

1. Module Code: BLS8554    School: Health Sciences

2. Module Title: Medical Entomology II

3. Year: 3        Semester:                      Credits: 10    

4.  Administering School: Health Sciences

a. Core module (Yes or No):     Yes

b. Elective module (Yes or No): 

c. Pre-requisite module(s):    Medical Entomology I

d. Co-requisite module(s):    

e. Prohibited combinations: 

Course Team : Dr Wossenseged Lemma; Felix N: Valens M.

5 Allocation of study and teaching hours 

6. Brief description of aims and content

Medical Entomology II is an advanced course designed to build upon the foundational knowledge you gained in Medical Entomology I. In this 10-credit, semester-long module, we will transition from simply identifying arthropod vectors to deeply understanding their biology, the intricate physiological interactions they have with disease agents, and the sophisticated methods used to study and control them. This module is hands-on and research-driven. You will learn the practical techniques of the entomologist: sampling vectors in the field, dissecting them in the lab, identifying pathogens within their tissues, and conducting tests for insecticide resistance. We will explore the critical principles of Integrated Vector Management (IVM)( moving beyond traditional, single-method control strategies to sustainable, evidence-based interventions). By the end of this course, you will not only be able to identify a vector but also to incriminate it in disease transmission, assess its susceptibility to insecticides, and contribute to a rational, integrated control program.

7.Graduate Attributes & Learning Outcomes

A. Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

1.     Sampling methods of the major vectors

2.     Principles of identification of vectors of diseases 

3.     Techniques for determining infectivity of vectors with a disease agent

4.     Tests for vector susceptibility to insecticides

5.     Principles of rearing vectors in the insectary

6.     Principles of integrated vector management 

B. Cognitive/Intellectual skills/Application of Knowledge

Having successfully completed this module, students should be able to:

1.     Explain the methods for sampling, identification and incrimination of vectors

2.     Describe the principles and methods for integrated vector management 

3.     Explain the process of insecticide susceptibility testing

C. Communication/ICT/Numeracy/Analytic Techniques/Practical Skills/Information Literacy

Having successfully completed this module, students should be able to:

1.     Identify microscopically arthropod vectors of diseases.

2.     Manipulate vectors in the in the field and in the laboratory 

3.     Control vectors using learned techniques

D.  Course Contents

Unit – 1. Insect physiology and disease transmission (12 hours)

1.1.         Introduction

1. 2. Hematophagy (the consumption of blood as a primary food source) in Insects

            1.3. Vector Nutrition and Energy Metabolism 

            1.4. Insect Immune System

            1.5. Parasite manipulation of vectors

Unit 2. Entomological techniques and epidemiological investigation (24 hours)

2.1. collection, preservation and identification

2.2. Insect preserving and mounting

2.3. Insect identification

      A. Morphological Identification of mosquitoes

      B. Mosquito molecular identification: PCR

2.4. Dissecting insects dermination of parous and infection rates.

      A. Dissecting midgut for infection

      B. Dissecting and examining salivary glands for sporozoites (sp)

2.5. Techniqus for Parasite  detections  in vectors 

       A.  Microscopic examination

       B. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and   CS-ELISA

       C. PCR for detecting natural infection in mosquitoes

2.6. PCR method for determination of insecticide resistance    

2.7. Techniques for blood meal analysis  

        A.  Precipitin test

        B. ELISA

        C. Reverse Line Blot assay of PCR  products for blood meal analysis.

2.8. Vector incrimination

2.9.  Insect (Mosquito) Rearing and Experimental Infection

A.    Rearing

B. Insectary and Containment (follow standard procedure)

C. Understanding the Mosquito Life Cycle

                D. Rearing Setup (e.g., Aedes aegypti)

                E. Adult Maintenance and Egg Laying

                F. Experimental Infection of Mosquitoes with Rodent Malaria

i.                Mechanism of Blood-Feeding  of mosquitoes from Plasmodium berghei infected rodent

ii.              Pre-feeding monitoring of the Infected Rodent Host

iii. Post-Feeding monitoring of the Mosquito 

             G. Laboratory rearing of Phlebotomines and experimental infection

2.10.  Vectors population dynamics and VBD transmission

i.        Intrinsic Factors and Extrinsic Factors

ii.      Vector borne Disease dynamics and control

iii.      Vector Capacity and the Basic Reproduction Number (R₀).

Unit 3. Insecticide Resistance and Managements  (15 hours)

    3.1. The mode of action of insecticides  and  resistance

    3.2. Mechanism of Insecticide Resistances

    3.3. Methods of detecting resistances

                A-Insecticide susceptibility test (WHO Tube Assay (WHO 1998))

B.    Synergist assey

C.     Susceptibility test using CDC Bottle Bio assay

Unit 4. Integrated Vector Management (IVM) (12 hours)

     4.1. Introduction

    4.2. Limitations of traditional vector control

    4.3. History of IVM

    4.4. Vector control (VC) methods

    4.5.  Definition of Integrated Vector Management (IVM)

   4.6. The   elements of an IVM methods:

10. Learning and Teaching Strategy

A variety of teaching and learning strategies will be adopted in this module including lectures, self-directed learning, discussions and student presentations, group work and presentations, discussion of case studies, demonstrations and practical exercise (tutorials). A seminar on entomology research findings will be held. Field visit to the modern entomology laboratory to learn molecular techniques for vector incrimination. 

11. Assessment Strategy

1.     Written examination (test) to assess the student’s knowledge and understanding of vector sampling, identification, insecticide resistance testing and integrated vector control

2.     Practical examination to assess the student’s practical skills in identification of vectors

3.     Oral presentation of case studies, the purpose of which is to help students understand and communicate the integrated vector control

12. Assessment Pattern

13. Strategy for feedback and student support during module 

·       minutes dedicated to questions, comments and reaction from students at the end of each session

·       Office hours’ availability for individual students’ issues

·       Class feedback after marking of continuous assessments

15. Teaching/Technical Assistance

Tutorial assistants provide teaching backup and are actively involved during practical sessions and demonstrations. LCD projector and laptop used for power point projection.

Laboratory space and equipment

Light traps and rechargeable batteries

Suction tubes

Paper cups

Netting

ELISA Machine and reagents

PCR Machine and reagents  

Computer requirements

Project and Computer will be used   

References:

1.     Standard Protocols, Chapters of books , books and  recent journals related the courses

2.     Biology of vectors of disease. Editor William C. Marquardt. second edition. 2004

3. Medical and veterinary Entomology
4. The molecular Biology of Insect Disease Vectors. J.M.Crampton et al., first edition 1997.

The aim of this module is to provide a basic understanding of biology at the molecular level, including the interrelationship between DNA, RNA and protein synthesis. The module will further introduce the role of nucleic acid amplification technology and blotting techniques in medical laboratory diagnostics. 

Brief description of aims and content

This module provides understanding in Laboratory investigation of immunological disorders, immunoassays development, Immunotherapies, principles of vaccine development and advanced immunological techniques

8. Graduate Attributes & Learning Outcomes

A. Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

1.     Immunological disorders

2.     Principles of immunological assays and their development

3.     The principles of vaccination

4.     Principles of immunotherapies

5.     Immunological techniques such as Flow cytometry, Western blot, immunofluorescence, antibody production and purification.

B. Cognitive/Intellectual skills/Application of Knowledge

Having successfully completed this module, students should be able to:

1.     Describe the intended purpose of immunoassays

2.     Describe assay validation pathways

3.     Describe different types of vaccines and their mechanisms

4.     Discuss the principles of immunotherapies

5.     Discuss the principles of immunological techniques

6.     Discuss antibody production and purification

C. Communication/ICT/Numeracy/Analytic Techniques/Practical Skills/Information Literacy

Having successfully completed this module, students should be able to:

1. Clearly deliver academic presentations on immunoassays development.
2. Organise different seminars and group presentations about immunoassays
3. Search immunology scientific literature
4. Competently manipulate different immunology analysers

5.     Perform and interpret different immunological techniques such Flow cytometry, Western blot, antibody production and purification.

Indicative content:

1. Laboratory investigation of immunological disorders:

—  Innate immunity

—  Investigation of complement and immune complex disorders

—  Assessment of the function of granulocytes (neutrophils)  and monocytes

—  Analysis of cytokines in vitro

2. Immunoassays

—  The principle of immunoassays

—  2.2. Development of immunoassays

—  2.3. Validation of immunoassays

3. Vaccination

—  Principle of vaccination and vaccine discoveries

—  Types of vaccination in use

—  Vaccine development (e.g. anti-viral)

4. Immunotherapies;

—  Activation immunotherapies;

—  Cancer immunotherapy,

—  Dendritic based pup priming

—  T cell adoptive transfer

Suppression immunotherapies

—  Immunosuppressive drugs

—  Immune tolerance

5. Advanced immunological techniques such as;

—  Flow cytometry

—  Western blot

COURSE PLAN

Teaching and Learning Methods:

Lectures: ………30………...hours

Discussions: …5………….hours

Assignments: …5……….hours

Demonstrations: 5…….hours

Practicals: ………25……….hours

Self-Study: ……28…….…hours

Test: ………………2………..hours

Total: ………100………………hours

Assessment: 50% continuous assessment; 50% examination

Research Resources (At least 3):

1.     Sally V. Rudmann, PhD, MT (ASCP) SBB, CLS. (2005). Textbook of Blood Banking and Transfusion Medicine - Elsevier eBook on VitalSource, 2nd Edition Saunders ISBN: 9781437719895

2.     Phil Learoyd, Robin Knight, Peter Rogan, Martin Haines (2009). An Introduction to Blood Transfusion Science and Blood Bank PracticePaperback

3.     American Association of Blood Banks: Practical Guide to Blood Transfusion, AABB Press, Bethesda, 2001

The aim of this module is to equip students with knowledge and skills for effective management of Blood transfusion services. Particularly, the principles of setting up and running transfusion services will be covered. The specifics of quality assurance will be discussed, as well as the main blood transfusion processes and SOPs, records, reports, haemovigilance the maintenance of equipment and finally, the principles of monitoring and evaluation in blood transfusion Service.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, laboratory diagnosis, and management of major haematological disorders, with emphasis on coagulation, anaemia, thrombosis, and special haematological considerations in pregnancy and paediatrics.

The course begins with the principles of blood coagulation and haemostasis, outlining the normal physiological mechanisms that maintain vascular integrity and prevent abnormal bleeding or clotting. Students are introduced to bleeding disorders, covering their causes, clinical manifestations, vascular and platelet abnormalities, laboratory investigative approaches, and therapeutic strategies.

The module further examines coagulation disorders, distinguishing between hereditary and acquired conditions, their clinical features, diagnostic evaluations, and treatment modalities. This is followed by an in-depth study of thrombosis and anti-thrombotic therapy, where students learn about the causes, types, pathology, clinical features, diagnostic investigations, and therapeutic interventions, including modern antithrombotic agents.

The second half of the course introduces anaemia, including key definitions, epidemiology, and general clinical and laboratory concepts. Students will study the classification of anaemia using physiological (RBC indices), etiological, and morphological approaches. This includes anaemias due to reduced production, ineffective erythropoiesis, globin or haem synthesis defects (e.g., thalassaemias, haemoglobinopathies), increased red cell destruction (haemolysis), and acute blood loss. The course also emphasizes the laboratory investigation of anaemia, treatment strategies, and basic principles of blood transfusion practice.

Finally, the course addresses pregnancy and paediatric haematology, focusing on the unique haematological changes during pregnancy, neonatal and infant blood disorders, and the laboratory investigation of haematological abnormalities in these special populations.

By the end of this course, students will have a strong foundation in clinical haematology, enabling them to integrate knowledge of disease mechanisms with laboratory and clinical approaches for diagnosis and treatment of common and complex haematological disorders.