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; 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

doi:10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19020

Seyed Mahmoud Sadjjadi Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Mehdi Mohebali Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Iraj Sharifi Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Abdolhossein Dalimi Asl Department of Parasitology and Entomology, School of Medicine, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Ali Haghighi Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abdollah Rafiei Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Mostafa Rezaeian Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Hossein Keshavarz Valian Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mohammad Bagher Rokni Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mohammad Fallah Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
Hossein Yousefi Darani Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Elham Razmjoo Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mehrzad Saraei Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
Ali Haniloo Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
Hossein Hooshyar Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
Ali Ehsan Heidari Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
Shirzad Gholami Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
Mahmoud Mahami Oskouei Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
Farnaz Kheirandish Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
Tahereh Mohammadzadeh Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Yosef Sharifi Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19020

Keywords: Medical parasitology; Current situation; Roadmap; Future development; Faculty; Laboratory equipment; Education and research; Iran

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.