Workshop on “Diagnostic techniques for detection of Human Intestinal and Genital protozoal Infections: An Optimal Approach”

It is with great pleasure; we wish to inform you that the IATP- Odisha Chapter in collaboration with AIIMS Bhubaneswar conducted a workshop on “Diagnostic techniques for detection of Human Intestinal and Genital protozoal Infections: an optimal approach” on 8^th -9^th September 2023. There was an overwhelming response to the event with participation of a total of 37 delegates from all over Odisha, and a few from outside the State. The program began with registration of delegates along with distribution of a pre-test questionnaire. This was followed by a formal inaugural ceremony, in presence of IATP President, Dr. S.C.Parija, Former  Vice-Chancellor, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Pondicherry, Former Director, JIPMER, Pondicherry, Professor P. R. Mohapatra, Dean (Academic) AIIMS Bhubaneswar, and Dr. Bhagirathi Dwibedi, Associate Dean (Research), AIIMS Bhubaneswar. The event was organised in 3 sessions comprising of – Microscopy, Culture & antigen detection and Molecular Techniques.

In the first session of microscopy (pre-lunch) on the first day, i.e. 8^th September 2023, Dr. Tuhina Banerjee, Professor Microbiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi discussed the “Intricacies of Microscopic techniques for Intestinal and Genital Protozoans”. This was followed by hands-on microscopy sessions comprising of wet mount, concentration methods and staining techniques such as modified acid-fast stain, Giemsa stain and Trichome/other permanent stains. In the second session conducted post-lunch on the first day, Dr. Srujana Mohanty, Professor Microbiology, AIIMS Bhubaneswar spoke on the “Application of Culture and antigen detection methods for Intestinal and Genital protozoans” which was followed by extensive hands-on training on culture and antigen detection methods for protozoan parasites. The molecular session was conducted on the second day of workshop where Professor (Dr.) Subhash C. Parija, President IATP enlightened the participants on the “Role of Molecular techniques in diagnosis of Intestinal and Genital Protozoans” followed by hands-on training on molecular-techniques.

            After completion of third- session, there was a photo session and extensive one-to-one interactions of the participants with the Resource persons, where the participants were able to clear many of their doubts and discussed about the way forward for detection of parasitic infections in their own Institute. This was followed by the valedictory function with distribution of certificates and concluding remarks. The workshop concluded around 2.00 pm followed by lunch.