Molecular diagnosis of neglected parasitic diseases & malaria: Tools for the real world in AI era

Event Description

This on-site postgraduate course offers an intensive, interactive training experience focused on the diagnosis of malaria and other neglected parasitic diseases (NPDs), with an emphasis on modern molecular techniques and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI)in diagnostic workflows. Developed in alignment with the WHO NPD Road Map 2030 and current global health priorities, the course combines high-level theoretical instruction with extensive hands-on training in a state-of-the-art reference laboratory. Participants will gain practical experience in microscopy, PCR, sequencing, and AI-based platforms, addressing diagnostic challenges and innovations relevant to both endemic and non-endemic contexts.

Intended audience: 

The course is tailored for parasitologists, microbiologists, infectious disease specialists, clinical pathologists, general practitioners, and laboratory professionals with a current or future role in diagnosing parasitic infections. The content is particularly relevant for professionals engaged in disease surveillance, outbreak response, and diagnostic research in endemic or travel-related contexts.

Objectives:

• By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
• Demonstrate applied skills in both classical and advanced molecular diagnosis of NPDs and malaria.
• Evaluate the performance, limitations, and use cases of traditional versus AI-assisted diagnostic techniques.
• Recognize and differentiate clinical and epidemiological aspects of parasitic diseases including malaria, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, filariasis, schistosomiasis, strongyloidiasis, and neuroparasitic infections.
• Integrate diagnostic results into evidence-based clinical decision-making and public health strategies.
• Contribute to diagnostic quality assurance, surveillance, and elimination programs across geographic settings.
• Align diagnostic approaches with WHO targets and strategic frameworks for parasitic disease control.

Course coordinator:

Jose Miguel Rubio, Madrid, Spain
Míriam J Álvarez-Martínez, Barcelona, Spain
Javier Nieto Martínez, Madrid, Spain
Maria D. Flores-Chavez, Madrid, Spain

Organisers: 

ESGCP
Sociedad Española de EnfermedadesInfecciosas y Microbiología Clínica (SEIMC)

Accreditation:

ESCMID office will apply for EACCME accreditation. 
Each participant can only receive the number of credits according to actual participation in the event and upon completion of the feedback survey.

Certification:

Course organisers will monitor attendance. Only participants attending sessions will be able to receive the certification.

Course Venue: 

National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km 2, Majadahonda 28220, Madrid, Spain

Accommodation:

Accommodation is not included in the registration.

Registration details: 

Registration fees include full access to the course, coffee breaks and lunches. Travel costs and accommodation are not included with either fee.  
 

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