In Seville, the XXIII Congress of the Spanish Society of Parasitology is taking place during the first days of September. This important event brings together experts from various disciplines such as microbiology, parasitology, immunology, veterinary science, medicine, and pest control, among others. Throughout the congress, roundtable discussions, informative talks, and poster exhibits of laboratory and recent research will be held, allowing attendees to explore and discuss various aspects related to parasites.
Parasites are organisms that live inside other organisms, competing for nutrients. They can enter the human body due to poor hygiene practices, consumption of contaminated water or food, blood transfusions, or insect bites. In Spain, the most common parasites are intestinal parasites like Giardia lamblia and Enterobius vermicularis. However, one of the most dangerous parasites is of the Plasmodium genus, responsible for transmitting malaria.
Within the framework of the congress, Rentokil Initial, a leading pest control company, will participate in a roundtable discussion entitled “Parasitology, climate change, and emerging zoonoses” on September 4th. Rubén Bueno, entomologist and technical director of Rentokil Initial, will focus on the possible reemergence of malaria in Spain and the control strategies being implemented to minimize the risks of disease transmission. Bueno has pointed out that “the effects of climate change and globalization have driven a greater proliferation of insects, including mosquito species capable of causing significant harm and discomfort to the human population.” In this regard, he emphasized the importance of implementing surveillance programs by government agencies and advised the public to avoid water accumulation, such as in plant saucers, which can become mosquito breeding grounds.
The congress highlights the importance of health surveillance and parasite research. Although in Spain, morbidity and mortality rates from parasites are not high, the problem persists in developing countries, severely affecting the child population. Therefore, it is crucial to continue researching and establishing regulations and vaccination programs to reduce morbidity and mortality rates globally.
via: MiMub in Spanish
