Department of Parasitology

Contribution to the Medical Undergraduate Programme

The department is a key contributor to the Infection Module; an integrated teaching unit conducted jointly with the Department of Microbiology. This module is delivered across two semesters in the para-clinical phase of the academic programme.

  • Year 2 – Semester II (Y2SII): Infection Module 1 (03 credits)

Introduces foundational concepts in medical parasitology, including classification of parasites, host-parasite relationships, and basic principles of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Key topics covered are intestinal and genitourinary protozoa, malaria, small and large intestinal nematodes, tissue nematodes (including filariasis), and visceral/cutaneous larva migrans.

  • Year 3 – Semester I (Y3SI): Infection Module 2 (03 credits)

Builds upon prior knowledge, focusing on advanced parasitic infections and their clinical correlations. Key topics include haemoflagellates (leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis), toxoplasmosis, parasitic cestodes and trematodes, medically important arthropods (mosquitoes, ticks, mites, fleas), as well as medically important snakes and management of snakebite envenomation.

What We Teach

Parasitology – the study of parasites, their hosts, vectors, and the intricate relationships between them – forms the core of our teaching. Our curriculum emphasizes medically important helminths (worms) and protozoans, as well as the arthropod vectors responsible for transmitting parasitic diseases. Key learning areas include:

  • Epidemiology and biology of parasites
  • Pathogenesis and clinical disease manifestations
  • Modern diagnostic methods
  • Treatment and therapeutic strategies

One Health Approach

Recognizing the links between human, animal, and environmental health, the department is committed to integrating the One Health concept into teaching and research. Special emphasis is placed on:

    • Control of zoonotic parasitic diseases
    • Understanding and managing emerging and re-emerging parasitic infections
    • Collaborative approaches to disease surveillance and prevention

Envenoming and Snakebite Management

In addition to parasitology and entomology, our department provides specialized instruction on:

  • Identification of venomous snakes found in Sri Lanka
  • Pathophysiology and clinical features of envenomation
  • Evidence-based snakebite management protocols

This unique component prepares medical undergraduates to respond effectively to one of the most critical public health challenges in rural Sri Lanka.

Contact Us

Telephone

+(94) 37 3138252

Emails

parasit@wyb.ac.lk headparasit@wyb.ac.lk

Postal Address

Department of Parasitalogy,
Faculty of Medicine,
Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Labuyaya, Kuliyapitiya,60200