SHRI SHIVAJI SCIENCE COLLEGE, AMRAVATI
DBT STAR COLLEGE PROJECT ACTIVITY
ACTIVITY REPORT
Guest Lecture on Malarial Parasite and Its Staining Techniques
Activity Dates: 22nd September 2025
Type of Activity: Other
Organizing Department: Department of Microbiology
Program Coordinators: Prof. Suwarna S. Mankar
Head of the Department: Dr. R. C. Maggirwar
External Collaborator (if any): NO
Objectives:
- To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of malaria as a parasitic disease and its global health significance.
- To introduce the causative organism Plasmodium and its different species affecting humans.
- To explain the life cycle of the malarial parasite, including both human and mosquito stages.
- To familiarize students with laboratory diagnostic methods used for malaria detection.
- To demonstrate the preparation of thick and thin blood smears for microscopic examination.
No of Beneficieries: 60
Classes Involved: B.Sc students
Venue of the Activity: Department of Microbiology, Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati
Activity Report:
Report on Guest Lecture on Malarial Parasite and Its Staining Techniques
A guest lecture on the topic “Malarial Parasite and Its Staining Techniques” was successfully organized on 22nd September 2025 by the Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology. The lecture was conducted for B.Sc. students with the objective of enhancing their understanding of malaria, its causative organism, and the laboratory techniques used for its identification. Such academic activities are essential in providing students with exposure to real-world applications of microbiological concepts and bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and laboratory practices. The guest speaker for the session was Dr. Shilpa Lokhande, Assistant Professor of PG Department of Microbiology at Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University. Dr. Lokhande is a distinguished academician with specialization in microbiology and parasitology. Her expertise and teaching experience provided valuable insights to the students, making the session highly informative and engaging. Her ability to explain complex scientific concepts in a simple and understandable manner greatly benefited the students. The program began with a formal welcome of the guest by the faculty members. Dr. Lokhande was introduced to the students, highlighting her academic background, research contributions, and professional achievements. The warm welcome created a positive and enthusiastic atmosphere for the lecture. Students showed keen interest from the beginning, reflecting their curiosity about the subject. Dr. Lokhande commenced her lecture by introducing malaria as a major parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Plasmodium. She explained the global significance of malaria, especially in tropical and subtropical regions, and emphasized its impact on public health. She also discussed the prevalence of malaria in developing countries and the challenges faced in its control and eradication.
The lecture included detailed information on different species of Plasmodium that infect humans, namely Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium ovale. She highlighted that Plasmodium falciparum is the most dangerous species, responsible for severe infections and higher mortality rates. She also explained the unique characteristics of each species, including their life cycle differences and clinical manifestations. The speaker elaborated on the life cycle of the malarial parasite, explaining its complex stages involving two hosts: humans and the female Anopheles mosquito. She described the asexual phase in humans (schizogony) and the sexual phase in the mosquito (sporogony). The various stages of the parasite—sporozoites, merozoites, trophozoites, and gametocytes—were explained in a simplified manner, enabling students to grasp the concept easily. Diagrams and illustrations were used to enhance understanding. A key focus of the lecture was on the laboratory diagnosis of malaria, particularly staining techniques used to identify the parasite in blood samples. The staining and microscopic observation session was conducted at the CIC (Central Instrumentation Cell) of the college, where students were given practical exposure to laboratory procedures and equipment. Dr. Lokhande emphasized that accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and control of malaria. She explained that microscopic examination of stained blood smears remains the gold standard method for malaria diagnosis, especially in resource-limited settings.
The speaker discussed two primary types of blood smears used in malaria diagnosis: thick smear and thin smear. She explained that the thick smear is used for detecting the presence of parasites due to its higher sensitivity, as it concentrates blood cells, while the thin smear helps in identifying the species of Plasmodium based on morphological characteristics. She also highlighted the importance of proper smear preparation for accurate results. Dr. Lokhande provided a detailed explanation of staining techniques, particularly the use of Giemsa stain, which is widely used in parasitology. She described the step-by-step procedure for preparing and staining blood smears. The process included collection of blood samples, preparation of smears on clean glass slides, air drying, fixation with methanol (for thin smears), staining with diluted Giemsa solution for a specific duration, washing with buffered water, drying, and finally microscopic examination under oil immersion. The importance of proper staining was emphasized, as it enhances the visibility of parasite structures under the microscope. Dr. Lokhande explained how different stages of the parasite appear after staining. For instance, trophozoites appear as ring forms within red blood cells, while schizonts and gametocytes show distinct morphological features depending on the species. She also pointed out distinguishing features such as size, chromatin dots, cytoplasmic appearance, and stippling patterns like Schüffner’s dots, which help differentiate between species. In addition to Giemsa staining, the speaker briefly mentioned other staining methods such as Leishman stain and Field stain, which can also be used for rapid diagnosis. She compared these techniques in terms of time, staining quality, ease of use, and application in field conditions. This comparison helped students understand the practical relevance of each technique in different laboratory and clinical scenarios.
The lecture also covered clinical aspects of malaria, including common symptoms such as fever, chills, sweating, headache, nausea, and anemia. Severe complications like cerebral malaria, kidney failure, and respiratory distress were also discussed. Dr. Lokhande stressed the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment to prevent complications and reduce mortality. Furthermore, she addressed treatment and preventive measures. The use of antimalarial drugs such as chloroquine, artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), and other medications was discussed. She also highlighted the growing problem of drug resistance and the need for rational drug use. Preventive strategies such as mosquito control, elimination of breeding sites, use of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, and public awareness were emphasized as essential steps in controlling malaria. The session was highly interactive, with students actively participating by asking questions related to staining techniques, parasite identification, and diagnostic challenges. Dr. Lokhande responded to all queries patiently and effectively, ensuring that students gained clarity on the subject. The interactive nature of the session made it more engaging and beneficial.
The lecture concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by a student representative, who expressed sincere gratitude to Dr. Lokhande for her valuable time and insightful presentation. The faculty members also appreciated her efforts in delivering such an informative and well-structured lecture. The session ended on a positive note, leaving students motivated to explore the subject further. Overall, the guest lecture was highly beneficial for the B.Sc. Microbiology students. It provided a comprehensive understanding of the malarial parasite and practical knowledge of staining techniques used in its diagnosis. The session successfully bridged theoretical concepts with laboratory applications, enhancing the students’ academic learning and practical skills. It also encouraged students to develop an interest in parasitology and diagnostic microbiology. The Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology looks forward to organizing more such guest lectures in the future to provide students with exposure to advanced topics and expert knowledge in the field of microbiology. Such initiatives play a crucial role in shaping students’ academic growth and preparing them for future careers in science and research.
Outcomes:
- Students gained in-depth knowledge about malaria and its causative organism.
- Students were able to differentiate between various species of Plasmodium based on morphology and clinical features.
- Students understood the complete life cycle of the malarial parasite in both hosts.
- Students learned the importance of microscopic diagnosis and its role in effective treatment.
- Students acquired practical knowledge of preparing and staining blood smears.
Photos:
 Guest lecture on “Malarial Parasite and Its Staining Techniques” in progress. |  Dr. Shilpa Lokhande delivering an insightful lecture to B.Sc. students. |
 Students attentively participating in the guest lecture session. |  Interactive discussion between students and the guest speaker. |
 Explanation of the life cycle of the malarial parasite. |  Detailed discussion on different species of Plasmodium. |
Attendance Sheet:
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