Training Workshop on Differential Diagnostics and In Vitro Cultivation of Leishmania Spp.
Jointly Organized by:
OIC – COMSTECH, Samarkand State Medical University, & A Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases
Venue: Samarkand State Medical University, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Dates: 21st – 24th September 2026
Flyer: Click Here
Background
Leishmaniasis is a major Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) affecting millions of people worldwide, particularly in OIC Member States across South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. Accurate differential diagnosis and effective in vitro cultivation of Leishmania spp. are essential for disease confirmation, epidemiological surveillance, drug susceptibility testing, and research on parasite biology.
NTD inflicts substantial socioeconomic consequences for the affected communities. These consequences include long term disability, reduced productivity, and increased health costs. At the global level, and at the OIC level, strengthening the capacity of the endemic countries to detect, differentiate, and monitor Leishmania infections. It is critically important to achieve objectives of the World Health Organization’s NTD Road Map and advancing progress toward universal health coverage, and the Sustainable Development Goals. There is pressing need to build sustainable laboratory and research capacities in the OIC member states particularly important for improving early diagnosis, effective disease surveillance, monitoring treatment outcome, and drug resistance, and developing improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
In continuation of previous successful capacity-building initiatives conducted in Kenya (2023) and Ethiopia (2024), Morocco (2025), COMSTECH, in collaboration with the NTD Network, and Samarkand State Medical University, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, is organizing this specialized hands-on training workshop in Samarkand, Uzbekistan to strengthen clinical diagnosis, laboratory and research capacities in the Central Asian region.
Objectives of the Workshop
The training aims to:
- Strengthen technical capacity in differential diagnostics of cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis.
- Provide practical training in in vitrocultivation and maintenance of Leishmania spp.
- Enhance understanding of parasite biology, molecular characterization, and laboratory biosafety.
- Promote regional collaboration and networking among young scientists and researchers in OIC countries.
Key Topics to be Covered
- Epidemiology and burden of leishmaniasis in OIC Member States
- Clinical differentiation of cutaneous vs. visceral leishmaniasis
- Microscopic diagnosis (smear preparation, staining techniques)
- Molecular diagnostic techniques (PCR-based methods, species identification)
- Culture media preparation and parasite isolation
- In vitro cultivation, cryopreservation, and maintenance of Leishmania strains
- Quality control and laboratory biosafety standards
- Overview of drug screening and susceptibility testing
Target Participants
The workshop is designed for:
- Young scientists and researchers (preferably under 40 years of age)
- Clinicians, PhD scholars and postgraduate students
- Laboratory professionals and early-career faculty
Relevant disciplines include:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics and Genomics
- Parasitology
- Pathology, Infectious diseases
- Medicinal and Natural Product Chemistry
Financial Support
Limited Travel support will be provided by OIC- COMSTECH for selected OIC participants from Central Asia and West Asia.
Application Procedure
Interested candidates are requested to submit their applications of the interest using following link. : Click Here
Young scientists are encouraged to submit their abstract using the above given registration link. Once selected, they can give oral presentation during scientific program.