Parasitology (PRT)

Section Information

Parasitology studies parasites, their biology, life cycles, interactions with hosts, and the diseases they cause in humans, animals, and plants. It examines protozoa, helminths, arthropods, and other parasitic organisms that impact health, agriculture, and ecosystems.

Modern parasitology uses microscopy, molecular tools, genomics, immunology, field surveys, and experimental models to understand parasite development, transmission, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and host responses. These approaches also support diagnostics, drug discovery, vector control, and disease prevention.

This section will publish research articles, short communications, and reviews on parasite biology, host–parasite interactions, vector biology, epidemiology, zoonoses, diagnostics, therapeutics, control strategies, and environmental and emerging aspects of parasitic diseases.

Scope

Parasite Diversity, Systematics, and Evolution
- Taxonomy and classification of protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites
- Molecular systematics and evolutionary relationships
- Life cycle strategies and adaptations to parasitism
- Emergence and evolution of novel parasite lineages
Parasite Biology and Physiology
- Developmental stages, reproduction, and metabolic pathways
- Mechanisms of host invasion and survival
- Nutrient acquisition, signaling, and stress responses
- Drug targets and biochemical vulnerabilities
Host–Parasite Interactions
- Immune responses to parasitic infections
- Immune evasion, modulation, and persistence strategies
- Cellular and molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis
- Symbiotic and commensal relationships involving parasites
Vector Biology and Transmission Dynamics
- Biology of arthropod vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks
- Vector competence, behavior, and ecology
- Parasite development within vectors
- Environmental and climatic drivers of transmission
Epidemiology and Public Health Parasitology
- Distribution and burden of parasitic diseases
- Zoonotic parasites and cross-species transmission
- Outbreak investigation and surveillance
- Risk factors, interventions, and community impacts
Diagnostics and Detection Methods
- Microscopy, serology, and molecular diagnostics
- Rapid tests, biomarkers, and point-of-care tools
- Environmental DNA and high-throughput detection
- Advances in imaging and digital diagnostic platforms
Therapeutics, Drug Resistance, and Control
- Antiparasitic drugs, vaccines, and treatment strategies
- Mechanisms and spread of drug resistance
- Vector control and integrated disease management
- One Health approaches to parasitic disease control
Environmental and Wildlife Parasitology
- Parasites in wildlife, livestock, and aquatic organisms
- Environmental reservoirs and ecological impacts
- Parasite community ecology and food webs
- Effects of climate change on parasite dynamics
Tools, Techniques, and Emerging Approaches
- Genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics in parasitology
- In vitro and in vivo experimental models
- Mathematical modeling and transmission forecasting
- Automation, AI, and data-driven parasitology