Hematology for parasitologists

Blood contains several types of cells. Each of these cell types has a fairly distinct appearance, and each has a specific biological function. Despite the extreme structural and functional differences between blood cells, they are the offspring of a single type of cell: the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC), which can be transformed into any blood cell depending on the physiological needs of the organism through a process called Hematopoiesis.

Hematopoiesis is finely regulated by HSC microenvironment, and any disruption can throw this entire process off balance. Examining the appearance of cells on a blood film is central to the diagnosis of blood cell diseases and can give important information about numerous other diseases that are reflected in quantitative or qualitative changes of blood cells.

When hematopoiesis is disrupted, this may result in either a decrease or an overproduction of cells. The resulting dysregulation may also differ depending on the origin/location of the problem (bone marrow or peripheral). However, given the close relationship between the structure and characteristics of blood cells, and the kinetics of hematopoiesis on the other hand, a simple blood analysis (complete/full blood count and blood smear) can very well provide information on the origin and etiology of the problem.

Parasitic infections are one of those factors that can impair normal blood function. The impact varies from mild changes affecting a single blood cell lineage to severe disturbances involving the entire hematological system.

Through these lectures, you, as future biologists/parasitologists, will be trained to master the blood formula and the interpretation of its various physiological or pathological variations, particularly in the case of parasitic infections..