Date: September 30, 2025
Format: Online
Organizer: IRC – Impact Research Communications
The Global Virtual Conference on Leishmaniasis 2025 brought together leading researchers, clinicians, and public health experts to discuss the latest advances in tackling one of the world’s most persistent neglected tropical diseases. Organized by IRC – Impact Research Communications, the one-day virtual event provided a platform for sharing scientific breakthroughs, innovative diagnostics, and therapeutic strategies, while showcasing progress in global elimination programs.
The conference opened with a keynote by Shyam Sundar (Banaras Hindu University, India), who presented the remarkable journey of visceral leishmaniasis elimination efforts in India. Sébastien Pomel (University of Paris-Saclay, France) emphasized host-cell targeting as a novel therapeutic approach, while Debabrata Mandal (NIPER Hajipur, India) discussed metallic nanoparticles of Amphotericin B designed to reduce toxicity and improve efficacy. Muhammad Manjurul Karim (University of Dhaka, Bangladesh) introduced a patient-friendly molecular diagnostic tool, marking a significant step forward in VL diagnosis.
The mid-morning sessions focused on vaccines and immunotherapy. Abhay Satoskar (Ohio State University, USA) presented insights on Leishmania antigens as surrogate markers for immunogenicity, while Hira L. Nakhasi (FDA, USA) highlighted advancements in vaccine development and their role in global elimination strategies. Elyes Zhioua (Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunisia) discussed the co-circulation of Leishmania infantum and Toscana virus in sandflies and dogs. Kwang Poo Chang (Rosalind Franklin University, USA) explored immunotherapy of canine leishmaniasis using singlet oxygen-killed parasites.
Later sessions delved into molecular and cellular mechanisms. Nicola Baker (University of York, UK) explained how Leishmania parasites sense pH changes, while Andreia Albuquerque Wendt (Portugal/Switzerland/Czech Republic) demonstrated the essential role of vacuolar H+-ATPase in parasite life cycle progression. Danilo Ciccone Miguel (State University of Campinas, Brazil) presented natural and synthetic leishmanicidal candidates for cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment. Kishor Wasan (University of British Columbia, Canada) introduced a novel oral Amphotericin B formulation for vulnerable populations, and Claudia Brodskyn (Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazil) discussed pathogenesis and alternative therapies. The day closed with Elvira Saraiva (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), who described the role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in parasite-host interactions.
The conference successfully united expertise from Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, fostering cross-disciplinary dialogue linking molecular biology, immunology, epidemiology, and translational medicine. Discussions reinforced the urgency of integrated strategies combining diagnostics, vaccines, treatment innovations, and vector control for sustainable leishmaniasis elimination.
In closing, the Global Virtual Conference on Leishmaniasis 2025 highlighted both scientific innovation and practical approaches to disease control. By encouraging collaboration and presenting cutting-edge research, the event strengthened global efforts to combat leishmaniasis and set the foundation for future breakthroughs in elimination, treatment, and prevention.
Bangladesh, Brazil, Czech Republic, France, Germany, India, Italy, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom, USA.