ESCMID Global Parasite Morphology Hub (hosted by ESGCP and ESGITM): Morphological diagnosis in parasitology is at risk of disappearance, with established practitioners retiring and the focus shifting towards molecular diagnostics. However, molecular assays are not readily available in the regions which suffer the greatest burden of parasitic infection and even in wealthy countries, morphology remains the mainstay for diagnosis, especially in cellular pathology/histopathology. Therefore, there is a need to maintain and pass on skills in parasite morphology, especially tissue-based morphology, to the next generation. To provide a base for this initiative, ESCMID Global is hosting a Parasite Morphology Hub (PMH) in its ESGCP and ESGITM study groups to promote skills in parasite morphology, especially tissue-based parasite morphology.

BACKGROUND: Due to the improved hygiene and sanitation in developed countries, the prevalence of parasitic diseases has decreased in certain regions. However, the global burden of parasitic diseases, as well as the burden in developing and underdeveloped nations remains substantial. Paradoxically, in both developed and developing nations, the capacity for diagnostic parasitology has declined over the past several decades, which is a cause for concern. Human parasites are emerging or re-emerging due to global warming, climate change, increased globalization, international travel, urbanization, and an increase in the number of immunocompromised patients. The void in diagnostic capabilities for parasitology can be overcome by reviving the skills of diagnostic parasitology through creation of opportunities for knowledge and experience sharing through training, education, and global collaborations between diagnostic medical parasitologists. Keeping this in mind, this survey is being conducted to determine the current capabilities of laboratories across the globe for morphology-based parasitology diagnostic services and the perceived need for morphology-based parasitology training and education. 

AIM OF THE SURVEY:

(1) To assess the capacity of laboratories for morphology-based diagnosis of parasites

(2) To assess the availability of qualified parasitologists offering diagnostic services

(3) To assess the perceived need for training and upgradation of parasitology diagnostic capabilities

TARGET: The survey is intended for laboratories that provide diagnostic services for infectious diseases, especially parasitic diseases. For the purposes of this survey, such laboratory may be any of the following—Parasitology / Medical Microbiology / Clinical Pathology / Infectious Diseases / any other laboratory which provides parasitology diagnostic services.