List and discuss the 7 steps involved in the malaria parasite physiology, and how the anti-malarial drugs cause the death of the parasite.
Compare the absorption of the drug in the parasite to that of the host cell.
Based on previous lesson, the mode of action of the most widely used malaria drug is discussed. How the drug penetrates the membrane and concentrates in the vacuole of the parasite. The drug is then acidified in the parasite, causing a toxic buildup of a polymerase enzyme which causes the parasite to burst. The drug is absorbed by red blood cells which contain the parasite, not affecting most normal cells.
Introduce the life cycle of the malaria parasite by using images and a short video.
Read two case histories of malaria infection and through a discussion of the pharmacology of Quinolone, elicit why the treatment was successful with one patient but not with the younger one.
List and discuss the types of parasites to be covered by this topic. These include malarial protozoa, amebiasis, roundworms, flatworms, and flukes.
Introduce a case study of a 3yr old Central African girl, her symptoms, treatment, and outcome. Using this case study, introduce the pharmacology of drug treatment.
Outline and discuss the main characteristics of fungi as a group.
show pictures of common topical fungal infections.
Relate how the pharmacology of the drugs used in treatment is designed around attacking one of the physiological characteristics of the fungal cell which is limited in human cells. These include cell membrane synthesis, cell wall synthesis, DNA interruption, and enzyme inhibitors.
List and outline some major parasitic infections involving worms, blood parasites like malaria, tapeworm, amoeba, and water borne parasites.
View the major physiological differences which can be used to pinpoint drugs for eradication.
Work with the difference in structure between fungal and human cell membranes. Examine that fungal cell membranes utilize the steroid ergosterol to five the membrane physical stability, while humans membranes utilize cholesterol. Place both structural formulas on the skin, and note the very, very, close chemical relationship.
Discuss how two classes of fungicides will interfere with the ergosterol synthesis, being ergosterol cell membrane inhibitors.
Cholesterol does not have the same affinity for the inhibitor and therefore the host cells are not as easily damaged.
View a short pharmacology video which outlines and reinforces the pharmacology behind the anti fungals.
Compare the structure of a fungal cell to a host human cell. Examine the cell wall present in fungi but not in humans. Discuss how many fungicides will target specific areas in the cell wall chemistry to attack the fungus. View photos of skin fungal infections, such as ringworm and Tinea Pedis, and the drugs which are used, along with their mode of action
View and discuss cellular makeup of fungi.
List the differences between fungal and human cells
Outline the targets for attack by antifungal medications
Classify and name the 4 major categories of antifungals, and what they target.
