Departments

Mission

To provide a high quality of diagnostic laboratory service in an effective and timely manner in addition to develop new diagnostic techniques for endemic parasitic diseases

Vision

To be a distinguished center in parasitological research, providing high quality research at both diagnostic and treatment levels

Research Fields

·      0   Implementation of new techniques in diagnosing and managing of endemic parasitic infections and their complications.

·    0 Update the current techniques used in diagnosing and managing of endemic parasitic infections and their complications.

·       0 Evaluation and monitoring of drug efficacies and emergence of parasitic resistance.

·       0  Development of new candidate vaccines against parasites.

·       0  Implications of molecular techniques in medical parasitological studies.

·       0  Utilization of nanotechonology in various research fields.

Structure

The department consists of two research laboratories and one outpatient clinic laboratory equipped with basic facilities for parasitological tests including laminar flow, water purification system, water bath, perfusion system, balances, centrifuge, PCR device, FTIR-Spectroscopy, SDS-Electrophoresis, Immunoblot, binocular light microscope, digital microscope, florescent microscope, stereo microscope, CO2 incubator and Electroborator.

Techniques

A. Routine urine and stool microscopic examinations using different parasitological techniques.

B. Introduction of special new techniques for stool analysis as parasep faecal concentration technique including

• • •  Diagnosis and identification of different opportunistic protozoa in stool samples using different staining techniques including Zeihl Neelsen, Modified acid fast, Trichrome and modified trichrome as well as Safranine stains.
    •  Performing special staining methods or culture media for detection of newly emerging protozoa (D. fragilis & B. hominis) as Giemsa stain
    •  Applying special stains for detection of protozoa as Safranine Stain & Auramine Rhodamine Stains.

C. Field surveys using specific parasitological techniques including nucleopore filtration of urine for S. haematobium ova, Kato technique for different parasitic ova in stool and Negrosine technique for different parasitic ova in stool.

D. Diagnosis of different parasites and protozoa in stool samples using immunoparasitological assays (our lab prepared assays or newly introduced kits) including:-

• • •  ELISA kits for detection of circulating parasitic antigens in patients’ sera as well as copro-antigens in patients’ stool Merifluor immunofluorescent stain.
    •  Applying a modified method for the direct wet mount preparation for better and clear identification of parasites.

E. Periodic parasitological examination of personnel and workers in different labs, especially those subjected to contamination with biological materials.

Research

A. Standard experimental parasitological examinations to measure the intensity of schistosomal infection and morbidity including:

• •  Worm perfusion to count the number of worms present in liver and intestine of infected mice.
  •  Ova count in tissues (liver and intestine)
  •  Oogram pattern (counting different developmental stages of the parasites’ ova in small intestine.

B. Identification, characterization and preparation of target antigens of different parasites of medical importance in large amounts using molecular biological tools and applying it in:-

• •  Development of simple, sensitive, less time consuming and cheap kits using nanotechnology for diagnosis of different multiple parasites (as ELISA plate, coated by different antigens) (screening test).
  •  Production of highly sensitive and specific antibodies against these target antigens using phage display technique and applying it in diagnostic kits.
  •  Development of candidate vaccines.
  •  Production of nanoparticles as a drug delivery system for targeting of parasitic infections.
  •  Development of a quick diagnostic strip kit for field surveys (running) from rabbits, on strip or ring, for the detection of Copro-antigens of different parasites (Schistosoma and Fasciola to start with) could be applied commercially.

C. Tissue culture unit which is used in:

• •  In vitro culture of parasites for immunolocalization studies
  •  Maintenance of life cycle of some parasites and protozoa (Schistosoma, Toxoplasma, Cryptospordium and Blastocystis) and production of target antigens and biological materials secreted from these parasites.
  •  Evaluation of antiparasitic efficacy of newly introduced drugs and plant extracts as well as classical drug treatment either alone or combined with other materials including anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic agents, natural and newly introduced synthetic compounds.
  •  Evaluation of different vaccines against parasites

 

Work In Progress

The work being done in the parasitology department is in the line of advancement in diagnostic and therapeutic methodologies of parasitic diseases:

1. Development of Diagnostics

·         Application of various molecular diagnostic tools such as PCR, RT-PCR, and LAMP for improved sensitivity and specificity in detection parasitic infections.

2. Monitoring of Drug Resistance

·         Assessing the efficacy of drugs and resistance patterns of generally endemic parasitic diseases.

·         Research on drug repurposing and novel targets in addressing resistance.

3. Vaccine Development:

·         Preparation of candidate vaccines against major parasitic infections.

·         Exploring the use of nanotechnology-based delivery systems, such as nanoparticles, to strengthen vaccine effectiveness

4. Capacity Building:

·         Training the researchers in cutting-edge diagnostic techniques and molecular tools to develop local expertise.

·         Expanding laboratory infrastructure to support state-of-the-art research despite resource limitations.

Services

Training

·         Annual training program for laboratory personnels working on the diagnosis of parasitic diseases (whether internal and external personnels).

·         Two weeks rotation program in the outpatient parasitology lab for Faculty of Medicine and Science undergraduate students.

·         Special training programs for different external faculty members based on their request.

·         Special training programs for any medical and paramedical personnels based on their request.

·         Annual teaching of parasitology course for TBRI nursing school students.

Research

Services Provided

The parasitology department offers a range of educational and training services aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of laboratory personnel, students, and healthcare professionals. These include:

1.      Community Awareness Programs:

·         Organize workshops and campaigns to educate communities about parasitic diseases, prevention methods, and hygiene practices.

2.      Annual Training Program:

·         Designed for laboratory personnel involved in diagnosing parasitic diseases.

·         Open to both internal staff and external participants.

3.      Two-Week Rotation Program:

·         Tailored for undergraduate students from the Faculty of Medicine and Science.

·         Conducted in the outpatient parasitology lab to provide hands-on experience.

4.      Specialized Training Programs:

·         Customizable programs for external faculty members upon request.

·         Available for medical and paramedical personnel based on their specific needs.

5.      Parasitology Course:

·         Annual teaching of a parasitology course specifically for nursing school students at TBRI.

6.      Collaborative Research Initiatives:

·         Partner with national and international research institutions to conduct joint studies on parasitic diseases.

7.      Development of Diagnostic Kits:

·          Collaborate with industry partners to create affordable, rapid diagnostic kits for common parasitic infections.

These services aim to build capacity through education and practical training, particularly in the diagnosis and management of parasitic diseases.

Publications

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• Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s,
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Projects

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• Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s,
• Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s,
• Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s,
• Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s,
• Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s,