Saturday, June 7, 2025
Created Date : Wednesday, June 24, 2020   Update Date : Tuesday, March 8, 2022   
 

Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology and Mycology: 

 

In this section, specialized and research work in the field of molecules is performed with DNA-based methods. Molecular diagnostic work and identification of pathogenic parasites include identification of species and genotypes of Cryptosporidium, Tenia, Echinococcus, Acanthamoeba, identification of Toxoplasma strains and identification of Leishmania species. In this part, after DNA extraction, it is amplified by PCR and the result of amplification is investigated on agarose by PCR electrophoresis and with UV radiation.
This laboratory is equipped with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) devices and the extracted DNA can be amplified and analyzed to determine its identity and species. Also, next to this section, there are two laboratory spaces equipped for DNA extraction and making PCR mixture completely separately.


Molecular parasitology and mycology laboratory facilities:


- PCR device: Two gradients (Gradient PCR, Twin block) to amplify DNA extracted from all microorganisms, including leishmaniasis wound amastigotes and promastigotes purified from culture medium and to identify the parasite in the vector and reservoir.
- Real time PCR device of the moder rotor gene Q (Corbett-Qiagen): for toxic and HRM research.
- Document gel device: to view and analyze the PCR product with Translluminator device and special camera and printer with monitor screen.
- Microcentrifuge: for centrifugation up to 16,000 g with the capacity of 0.5 to 1.5 microliter Eppendorf tubes for parasite deposition and DNA extraction steps.
- Electrophoresis tank with power supply device (power supply): Two numbers (horizontal and vertical) to launch PCR product on agarose gel and dye DNA with ethidium.
- PCR work station
- Microwave oven

 

Laboratory of Serology and Immunology of Parasites:

 

In this laboratory, research and diagnosis of parasites is based on the finding of specific antibodies or antigens and various methods of ELISA, IFA, DAT and MAT are used to diagnose the serology of Toxoplasmosis and Toxocariasis, Visceral larvae migrants, Echinococcosis and Leishmaniasis. 


The equipment available in this laboratory includes:


- ELISA device with special washer and printer: This device is used in identifying and quantitatively and qualitatively Ab or Ag in serum or clinical samples and is used for diagnostic and research work.
- Refrigerated and conventional centrifuges: to separate serum from blood samples and biopsy.
- Incubator 37 ° C and 24 ° C: to maintain parasite culture media.
- Freezer -20 ° C and ordinary refrigerator: to store serums at -20 ° C.
- Scales with accuracy of 0.0001 and 0.001: to weigh the materials and powders needed to make the solutions in reaction.
- Sampler set: for removing and pouring samples and reaction materials in very small quantities
- Oven: For sterilizing equipment
- Autoclave
- Ph meter
- Ben Murray (water bath) 

 

Culture laboratory:

 

In this section, live parasites including Leishmania, Toxoplasma, and Giardia are cultured and stored in nitrogen tanks. The strains are cultured in in vitro in live and non-live media and provide the necessary conditions for mass production of parasites for detection, identification and preparation of antigen, etc. Also in this section, sterile conditions are provided for storing sterile items used in the PCR reaction mixture.


In order to follow the function of living organisms, the study of living organisms at the cellular level is considered a special place in research activities and the center cell culture laboratory with the following facilities in the field of parasite culture and service using common techniques to researchers and other colleagues:


- Invert microscope: to observe live parasites and cultured cells
- Fluorescent microscope: to look at cells labeled with immunofluorescence material.
- Incubator CO2: to maintain cell culture media containing macrophages
- Nitrogen tank: to maintain different species
- Centrifuge: for purification and preparation of antigen
- Refrigerated incubator: to maintain culture media
- Laminar hood (class 2): for sterile culture

 

 

Laboratory of helminthology, intestinal parasites and dissection of laboratory animals:

 

In this section, diagnostic and research work on intestinal parasites is performed. Diagnostic work on protozoa and intestinal worms is currently underway in this laboratory. Also, different hosts as reservoirs of human parasitic diseases, including carnivores, rodents, etc., are necropsied in this section and their protozoa and intestinal blood and tissue worms are examined.
Slaughterhouse samples are also described in this laboratory.
This section is equipped with surgical set equipment and devices required for training and research. Also this laboratory including: refrigerator -86 °C, ordinary refrigerator, Stereo microscope labomed (LExo 4D), 5-eyed microscope, ordinary microscope, and a microscope equipped with a Camera lucid tube is available. There are also required platforms and cabinets, hoods and sinks for examining isolated samples from animals.
It should be noted that a museum of animals and parasites isolated from them is being set up in this laboratory. 

 

 

Educational Laboratory of Parasitology: 

 

In this laboratory, it is equipped with 40 devices of various educational and research microscopes, and based on the demonstration system, monitoring is taught to the students with the help of educational aids of the relevant courses.


Parasitology Laboratory:


Number of test tables: Fifteen tables
Number of active microscopes available: Thirty
Number of microscopic slides: Two hundred slides
Practical working hours during a week: eighteen hours per week
It is possible to use the hall outside of school hours.
The number of students who attend the practical session in the hall, in the last two courses held respectively: twelve and sixteen
Number of teachers present in each practical session in the hall: one professor, one instructor, one expert and one technician
The physical environment of the laboratory is shared with the mycology course.

 

 

Educational Laboratory of Mycology:

 

Number of test tables: Fifteen tables
Number of active microscopes available: Thirty
Number of microscopic slide titles: One hundred slides
Practical working hours during a week: eight hours a week
The number of students who attend the practical session in the hall in the last two courses, respectively: twelve and sixteen.
Number of teachers present in each practical session in the hall: one professor, one expert and one technician.
The physical environment of the laboratory is shared with parasitology courses.

 

 

Dedicated laboratory of mycology:  

 

In this laboratory, fungi are cultured and detected, which includes the following tools and equipment:


Shaker incubator to keep fungi warm at different temperatures and periods, 3 microscopes, autoclave to make culture and sterilization medium, instant to sterilize glassware, rotator: to mix in high periods and fungal elements, PH meter to measure the environment and solutions, incubator: to store fungal cultures, refrigerator, freezer, centrifuge, sponge: to keep the sample warm, digital scales with an accuracy of 0.0001 to weigh the sample, magnetic heater: mixing the solution with fungal spores at different temperatures, 6 chairs, stand table, laminar hood: for sample cultivation and sample preparation in sterile conditions, wooden cupboard for wood lamp, wood lamp: fluorescence shining on the patient's body, sampler: 3 sizes, full set.

 

 

Sampling laboratory of mycology:

 

In this laboratory, samples are taken from different patients who suspect fungal infections. Which includes the following equipment:


Autoclave: for making culture medium and sterilization, oven: for sterilizing glassware, incubator, 6 chairs, Class II laminar hood: for sample cultivation and sample preparation in sterile conditions, refrigerator, freezer, digital scale for weighing materials, complete set of sampler for sample removal, 2 microscopes, 2 anaerobic jars for culture under anaerobic conditions, centrifuge for sample deposition, special cupboard for sampling equipment.