The Current Status of Medical Parasitology in Iran: Developing a Roadmap, Structural Mapping, and Proposed Scenarios for the Future of this Field
-
Seyed Mahmoud Sadjjadi
,
Mehdi Mohebali
,
Iraj Sharifi
,
Abdolhossein Dalimi Asl
,
Ali Haghighi
,
Abdollah Rafiei
,
Mostafa Rezaeian
,
Gholamhossein Edrissian
,
Hossein Keshavarz Valian
,
Mohammad Bagher Rokni
,
Mohammad Fallah
,
Hossein Yousefi Darani
,
Elham Razmjoo
,
Mehrzad Saraei
,
Ali Haniloo
,
Hossein Hooshyar
,
Ali Ehsan Heidari
,
Shirzad Gholami
,
Mahmoud Mahami Oskouei
,
Farnaz Kheirandish
,
Tahereh Mohammadzadeh
,
Yosef Sharifi
Abstract
Background: We aimed to review and analyze the status of Medical Parasitology course including current problems and challenges on human resources, infrastructure, research capacities, educational and investigative priorities in Iran, and to develop a roadmap and future development in this field.
Methods: A questionnaire was prepared to obtain information on Medical Parasitology departments in the country followed by field visits in many cases to collect data on the status of the faculty members, laboratory experts, physical spaces, laboratory equipment, microscopic slides, training Parasitology techniques, research projects and theses, published articles and books, access to Parasitology journals, books and e-books during 2022-2023. A roadmap and future development for Medical Parasitology in Iran and the formulation of a desirable status concerning short term to long-term goals was compiled.
Results: While prominent strengths such as capable research laboratories, experienced faculty, suitable educational spaces, active research centers, the existence of centers for keeping and working with laboratory animals, international and national collaborations are seen in a number of medium to large centers, shortcomings related to expert human resources, lack of educational equipment and slides, the need to upgrade especially in practical subjects, journal clubs, and lab meetings, research infrastructure such as laboratory animal houses, budget for theses and research projects urgently need attention. Among 132 universities, faculties, and educational-research centers training personnel in allied medical sciences disciplines, a considerable number lack Parasitology specialists.
Conclusion: Iran has a strong foundation in Medical Parasitology. However, using non-permanent faculty paid per course in medical education undermines quality and strains resources, exacerbating shortages. Universities must implement tailored strategic plans for parasitology, regularly updated to strengthen education, research, and health services, ensuring sustained excellence in training and public health contributions.
1. Cox F. History of human Parasitology. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2002;15(4):595 – 612.
2. Ndao M. Diagnosis of parasitic diseases: old and new approaches. Interdiscip Perspect Infect Dis. 2009;2009:278246.
3. Rolbiecki L, Izdebska JN. Modern Strategies for Diagnosis and Treatment of Parasitic Diseases. Int J Mol Sci. 2024; 25(12):6373.
4. Garrido-Cardenas JA, Mesa-Valle C, Manzano-Agugliaro F. Human Parasitology worldwide research. Parasitology. 2018;145(6):699-712.
5. Sharifi I, Fekri AR, Aflatonian MR, et al. Randomised vaccine trial of single dose of killed Leishmania major plus BCG against anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Bam, Iran. Lancet. 1998; 23;351(9115):1540-3.
6. Edrissian GH. Malaria in Iran: Past and present situation. Iran J Parasitol. 2006. 1(1):1-14.
7. Rafiei A, Craig PS. The immunodiagnostic potential of protoscolex antigens in human cystic echinococcosis and the possible influence of parasite strain. Ann Trop Med Parasitol. 2002; 96(4):383-9.
8. Dalimi A, Mobedi I. Helminth parasites of carnivores in northern Iran. Ann Trop Med Parasitol. 1992;86(4):395-7.
9. Haghighi A, Khorashad AS, Mojarad EN, et al. Frequency of enteric protozoan parasites among patients with gastrointestinal complaints in medical centers of Zahedan, Iran. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 2009;103(5):452-4.
10. Hajjaran H, Azarian B, Mohebali M, et al. Comparative proteomics study on meglumine antimoniate sensitive and resistant Leishmania tropica isolated from Iranian anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis patients. East Mediterr Health J. 2012 ;18(2):165-71.
11. Sadjjadi FS, Ahmadi N, Rezaie-Tavirani M, et al. Following up of surgical treated human liver cystic echinococcosis: A Proteomics approach. Iran J Parasitol. 2021;16(1):11-22.
12. Harandi MF, Hobbs RP, Adams PJ, et al. Molecular and morphological characterization of Echinococcus granulosus of human and animal origin in Iran. Parasitology. 2002;125(Pt 4):367-73.
13. Meamar A, Rezaian M, Mohraz M, et al. Strongyloides stercoralis hyper-infection syndrome in HIV+/AIDS patients in Iran. Parasitol Res. 2007; 101:663-5.
14. Mohammadzadeh T, Sako Y, Sadjjadi SM, et al. Comparison of the usefulness of hydatid cyst fluid, native antigen B and recombinant antigen B8/1 for serological diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 2012;106(6):371-5.
15. Mohebali M, Edrissian G, Akhoundi B, et al. Visceral Leishmaniasis in Iran: An Update on Epidemiological Features from 2013 to 2022. Iran J Parasitol. 2023;18(3):279-293.
16. Rokni MB, Massoud J, O'Neill SM, et al. Diagnosis of human fasciolosis in the Gilan province of Northern Iran: Application of cathepsin L-ELISA. Diagn Microbiol Infec Dis. 2002;44(2):175-9.
17. Sadjjadi SM, Mikaeili F, Karamian M, et al. Evidence that the Echinococcus granulosus G6 genotype has an affinity for the brain in humans. Int J Parasitol. 2013;43(11):875-7.
18. Sharifi Y, Sadjjadi SM, Jafari SH, et al. Application and evaluation of native antigen B from Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto and E. canadensis alone or mixture for serodiagnosis of human G1-G3 and G6/G7 genotypes cystic echinococcosis sera, using ELISA and Western blotting. Parasitol Res. 2023;122(9):2227-36.
19. Eskandarian AA, Keshavarz H, Basco LK, et al. Do mutations in Plasmodium falciparum dihydropteroate synthase and dihydrofolate reductase confer resistance to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine in Iran? Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 2002 ;96(1):96-8.
20. Mowlavi G, Farzbod F, Kheirkhah A, et al. Human ocular onchocerciasis caused by onchocerca lupi (Spirurida, Onchocercidae) in Iran. J Helminthol. 2014;88(2):250-5.
21. Rokni MB. Echinococcosis/hydatidoses in Iran. Iran J Parasitol. 2009;4(2):1 - 16.
22. Zahabiun F, Sadjjadi SM, Yunus MH, et al. Production of Toxocara cati TES-120 Recombinant Antigen and Comparison with its T. canis Homolog for Serodiagnosis of Toxocariasis. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2015 ;93(2):319-25.
23. Selseleh M, Keshavarz H, Mohebali M, et al. Production and evaluation of Toxoplasma gondii recombinant GRA7 for serodiagnosis of human infections. Korean J Parasitol. 2012 ;50(3):233-8.
24. Teimouri A, Mohtasebi S, Kazemirad E, et al. Role of Toxoplasma gondii IgG Avidity Testing in Discriminating between Acute and Chronic Toxoplasmosis in Pregnancy. J Clin Microbiol. 2020; 58(9):e00505-20.
25. Rokni MB. Evaluation and characterization of the field of Parasitology in Iran - Executor: Iranian Scientific Association of Parasitology with the collaboration of the board members of the association and a number of researchers and interested members of the association. May-June 2010.
26. Edrissian G, Rokni MB, Mohebali M, et al. History of Medical Parasitology and Parasitic Infections in Iran. Arch Iran Med. 2016 ;19(8):601-7.
27. Edrissian GH. Final Report of the Research Project of “History and Data Base Bank of Medical Parasitology in Iran” [in Persian]. Tehran: The Iranian Academy of Medical Sciences; 2014. No.:3615240
28. Supreme Council of Medical Sciences Planning, Approved educational programs for the Master's degree in Medical Parasitology, 2022.
29. Supreme Council of Medical Sciences Planning, Approved educational programs for the Ph.D. degree in Medical Parasitology, 2022.
30. Hotez PJ. Human Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases: Heading Towards 2050. Adv Parasitol. 2018; 100:29-38.
31. Goudarzi R, Fasihi Harandi M, Tasavon Gholamhoseini M, Ebrahimipour M. The Costs of Training Medical Parasitology and Mycology Students at Kerman University of Medical Sciences. Strides Dev Med Educ. 2021; 18(1):e1029.
32. Kaneda Y. Teaching of Parasitology to medical students in Japan. Parasitol Today. 1999;15(1):40-1.
33. Zhao G, He S, Chen L, et al. Teaching human Parasitology in China. Parasit Vectors. 2012;5:77.
34. Thompson R, Lymbery A, Hobbs R. Teaching of Parasitology to students of veterinary medicine and biomedical sciences. Vet Parasitol. 2002;108(4):283-90.
35. Acholonu AD. Trends in teaching parasitology: the American situation. Trends Parasitol. 2003;19(1):6-9.
36. http://turkiyeparazitolojidernegi.org/wp/2021/07/22/tipta-uzmanlik-anadallari/
37. Lorusso V. Parasitology and One Health-Perspectives on Africa and Beyond. Pathogens. 2021 5;10(11):1437.
38. Pinna Pintor M, Suhrcke M, Hamelmann C. The impact of economic sanctions on health and health systems in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and narrative synthesis. BMJ Glob Health. 2023;8(2): e010968.
39. Habibzadeh P (2016). Sanctions on health education. Arch Iran Med. 19(8):610.
40. Scimago Journal & Country Rank: https://www.scimagojr.com(accessed 2023).
41. Sadoughi F, Valinejadi A, Shirazi MS, et al. Social network analysis of Iranian researchers on Medical Parasitology: a 41 year co-authorship survey. Iran J Parasitol. 2016;11(2):204-212.
42. Sadjjadi SM, Saba MS, Ameri E. Evaluation of the results of two successive examinations of basic sciences of medical students of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences and survey of qualitative changes. Avicenna J Clin Med (Formerly: Journal of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences), 1993, 1:61-76.(In Persian)
43. Zeinali M, Mohebali M, Shirzadi MR, et al. Integration and evaluation of cutaneous leishmaniasis laboratory diagnosis in the primary health care laboratory network. East Mediterr Health J. 2023; 29(10):810-818.
2. Ndao M. Diagnosis of parasitic diseases: old and new approaches. Interdiscip Perspect Infect Dis. 2009;2009:278246.
3. Rolbiecki L, Izdebska JN. Modern Strategies for Diagnosis and Treatment of Parasitic Diseases. Int J Mol Sci. 2024; 25(12):6373.
4. Garrido-Cardenas JA, Mesa-Valle C, Manzano-Agugliaro F. Human Parasitology worldwide research. Parasitology. 2018;145(6):699-712.
5. Sharifi I, Fekri AR, Aflatonian MR, et al. Randomised vaccine trial of single dose of killed Leishmania major plus BCG against anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Bam, Iran. Lancet. 1998; 23;351(9115):1540-3.
6. Edrissian GH. Malaria in Iran: Past and present situation. Iran J Parasitol. 2006. 1(1):1-14.
7. Rafiei A, Craig PS. The immunodiagnostic potential of protoscolex antigens in human cystic echinococcosis and the possible influence of parasite strain. Ann Trop Med Parasitol. 2002; 96(4):383-9.
8. Dalimi A, Mobedi I. Helminth parasites of carnivores in northern Iran. Ann Trop Med Parasitol. 1992;86(4):395-7.
9. Haghighi A, Khorashad AS, Mojarad EN, et al. Frequency of enteric protozoan parasites among patients with gastrointestinal complaints in medical centers of Zahedan, Iran. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 2009;103(5):452-4.
10. Hajjaran H, Azarian B, Mohebali M, et al. Comparative proteomics study on meglumine antimoniate sensitive and resistant Leishmania tropica isolated from Iranian anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis patients. East Mediterr Health J. 2012 ;18(2):165-71.
11. Sadjjadi FS, Ahmadi N, Rezaie-Tavirani M, et al. Following up of surgical treated human liver cystic echinococcosis: A Proteomics approach. Iran J Parasitol. 2021;16(1):11-22.
12. Harandi MF, Hobbs RP, Adams PJ, et al. Molecular and morphological characterization of Echinococcus granulosus of human and animal origin in Iran. Parasitology. 2002;125(Pt 4):367-73.
13. Meamar A, Rezaian M, Mohraz M, et al. Strongyloides stercoralis hyper-infection syndrome in HIV+/AIDS patients in Iran. Parasitol Res. 2007; 101:663-5.
14. Mohammadzadeh T, Sako Y, Sadjjadi SM, et al. Comparison of the usefulness of hydatid cyst fluid, native antigen B and recombinant antigen B8/1 for serological diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 2012;106(6):371-5.
15. Mohebali M, Edrissian G, Akhoundi B, et al. Visceral Leishmaniasis in Iran: An Update on Epidemiological Features from 2013 to 2022. Iran J Parasitol. 2023;18(3):279-293.
16. Rokni MB, Massoud J, O'Neill SM, et al. Diagnosis of human fasciolosis in the Gilan province of Northern Iran: Application of cathepsin L-ELISA. Diagn Microbiol Infec Dis. 2002;44(2):175-9.
17. Sadjjadi SM, Mikaeili F, Karamian M, et al. Evidence that the Echinococcus granulosus G6 genotype has an affinity for the brain in humans. Int J Parasitol. 2013;43(11):875-7.
18. Sharifi Y, Sadjjadi SM, Jafari SH, et al. Application and evaluation of native antigen B from Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto and E. canadensis alone or mixture for serodiagnosis of human G1-G3 and G6/G7 genotypes cystic echinococcosis sera, using ELISA and Western blotting. Parasitol Res. 2023;122(9):2227-36.
19. Eskandarian AA, Keshavarz H, Basco LK, et al. Do mutations in Plasmodium falciparum dihydropteroate synthase and dihydrofolate reductase confer resistance to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine in Iran? Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 2002 ;96(1):96-8.
20. Mowlavi G, Farzbod F, Kheirkhah A, et al. Human ocular onchocerciasis caused by onchocerca lupi (Spirurida, Onchocercidae) in Iran. J Helminthol. 2014;88(2):250-5.
21. Rokni MB. Echinococcosis/hydatidoses in Iran. Iran J Parasitol. 2009;4(2):1 - 16.
22. Zahabiun F, Sadjjadi SM, Yunus MH, et al. Production of Toxocara cati TES-120 Recombinant Antigen and Comparison with its T. canis Homolog for Serodiagnosis of Toxocariasis. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2015 ;93(2):319-25.
23. Selseleh M, Keshavarz H, Mohebali M, et al. Production and evaluation of Toxoplasma gondii recombinant GRA7 for serodiagnosis of human infections. Korean J Parasitol. 2012 ;50(3):233-8.
24. Teimouri A, Mohtasebi S, Kazemirad E, et al. Role of Toxoplasma gondii IgG Avidity Testing in Discriminating between Acute and Chronic Toxoplasmosis in Pregnancy. J Clin Microbiol. 2020; 58(9):e00505-20.
25. Rokni MB. Evaluation and characterization of the field of Parasitology in Iran - Executor: Iranian Scientific Association of Parasitology with the collaboration of the board members of the association and a number of researchers and interested members of the association. May-June 2010.
26. Edrissian G, Rokni MB, Mohebali M, et al. History of Medical Parasitology and Parasitic Infections in Iran. Arch Iran Med. 2016 ;19(8):601-7.
27. Edrissian GH. Final Report of the Research Project of “History and Data Base Bank of Medical Parasitology in Iran” [in Persian]. Tehran: The Iranian Academy of Medical Sciences; 2014. No.:3615240
28. Supreme Council of Medical Sciences Planning, Approved educational programs for the Master's degree in Medical Parasitology, 2022.
29. Supreme Council of Medical Sciences Planning, Approved educational programs for the Ph.D. degree in Medical Parasitology, 2022.
30. Hotez PJ. Human Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases: Heading Towards 2050. Adv Parasitol. 2018; 100:29-38.
31. Goudarzi R, Fasihi Harandi M, Tasavon Gholamhoseini M, Ebrahimipour M. The Costs of Training Medical Parasitology and Mycology Students at Kerman University of Medical Sciences. Strides Dev Med Educ. 2021; 18(1):e1029.
32. Kaneda Y. Teaching of Parasitology to medical students in Japan. Parasitol Today. 1999;15(1):40-1.
33. Zhao G, He S, Chen L, et al. Teaching human Parasitology in China. Parasit Vectors. 2012;5:77.
34. Thompson R, Lymbery A, Hobbs R. Teaching of Parasitology to students of veterinary medicine and biomedical sciences. Vet Parasitol. 2002;108(4):283-90.
35. Acholonu AD. Trends in teaching parasitology: the American situation. Trends Parasitol. 2003;19(1):6-9.
36. http://turkiyeparazitolojidernegi.org/wp/2021/07/22/tipta-uzmanlik-anadallari/
37. Lorusso V. Parasitology and One Health-Perspectives on Africa and Beyond. Pathogens. 2021 5;10(11):1437.
38. Pinna Pintor M, Suhrcke M, Hamelmann C. The impact of economic sanctions on health and health systems in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and narrative synthesis. BMJ Glob Health. 2023;8(2): e010968.
39. Habibzadeh P (2016). Sanctions on health education. Arch Iran Med. 19(8):610.
40. Scimago Journal & Country Rank: https://www.scimagojr.com(accessed 2023).
41. Sadoughi F, Valinejadi A, Shirazi MS, et al. Social network analysis of Iranian researchers on Medical Parasitology: a 41 year co-authorship survey. Iran J Parasitol. 2016;11(2):204-212.
42. Sadjjadi SM, Saba MS, Ameri E. Evaluation of the results of two successive examinations of basic sciences of medical students of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences and survey of qualitative changes. Avicenna J Clin Med (Formerly: Journal of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences), 1993, 1:61-76.(In Persian)
43. Zeinali M, Mohebali M, Shirzadi MR, et al. Integration and evaluation of cutaneous leishmaniasis laboratory diagnosis in the primary health care laboratory network. East Mediterr Health J. 2023; 29(10):810-818.
| Files | ||
| Issue | Vol 20 No 2 (2025) | |
| Section | Review Article(s) | |
| Keywords | ||
| Medical parasitology Current situation Roadmap Future development Faculty Laboratory equipment Education and research Iran | ||
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How to Cite
1.
Sadjjadi SM, Mohebali M, Sharifi I, Dalimi Asl A, Haghighi A, Rafiei A, Rezaeian M, Edrissian G, Keshavarz Valian H, Rokni MB, Fallah M, Yousefi Darani H, Razmjoo E, Saraei M, Haniloo A, Hooshyar H, Heidari AE, Gholami S, Mahami Oskouei M, Kheirandish F, Mohammadzadeh T, Sharifi Y. The Current Status of Medical Parasitology in Iran: Developing a Roadmap, Structural Mapping, and Proposed Scenarios for the Future of this Field. Iran J Parasitol. 2025;20(2):161-177.
