ParasitoDex

A challenge in teaching medical parasitology is the identification of parasites. Traditionally, classes are based on microscopic observation of protozoans and helminths. We have developed an app to facilitate the recognition of protozoan and helminth species of interest in medical parasitology. The first step determines the origin of the sample (feces, blood, urogenital, ocular). If fecal samples are selected, the app directs you to protozoa or helminths. Following steps are based on shape, size and number of nuclei (protozoan species) and size and membrane characteristics of eggs and larvae (helminth species) . Blood parasites are separated by location (in or outside host cell) or organelle and nuclear characteristics. ParasitoDex may assist morphological identification of protozoa and helminths, making it easier for students in health and biological sciences to identify parasites