Conference Agenda

Research in parasitology can be both rewarding and challenging, particularly when faced with time constraints and limited resources. Our team encountered such a dilemma with an extensive collection of fox cadavers awaiting processing for parasite data collection. With storage space dwindling and only one researcher available, we sought innovative solutions to address the backlog.

By harnessing the enthusiasm and dedication of volunteers, we recruited veterinary science students at Murdoch University. Over a five-day period, this collaborative effort allowed us to process data from over 50 urban foxes. The data collection included basic body condition scores, ectoparasite surveys, sampling of organs for internal parasites and collection of GI tract for later diet and parasite analysis. Additionally, we gathered limb and jaw morphology data for a separate project.

This presentation will explore the outcomes of our volunteer-driven initiative, share insights gained during the process, and provide practical tips for effectively engaging volunteers in research. Our experience underscores the potential of collaborative efforts in overcoming resource limitations and achieving significant research milestones.

Parasitology research aims to improve the health of people and animals, often with an emphasis on developing nations where parasitic diseases are most prevalent and detrimental. Historically, helicopter research, where researchers enter communities to collect and disseminate data without community involvement, have negatively impacted many communities around the world. Mistrust and other negative impacts associated with these practices decreases the translation of research, to the detriment of participating communities. While often underappreciated, involvement of community members in research also presents a significant burden on communities, and in many cases, there is a prolonged time course for communities to experience benefits from the research.

Research partnerships that provide direct tangible benefits to communities, ensure appropriate knowledge translation, and strengthen local capacity to address parasite management have a higher likelihood of translating outcomes for the benefit all parties involved. A model incorporating stakeholder engagement and co-design at the very start of a research project is optimal. Engaging community members as full and equal partners, on par with investigators and research that might be conducted with an industry organisation, should also form best practice. Here, we present a toolkit for parasitologists to ensure respectful research collaborations to benefit participating communities.

Scabies outbreaks cause significant disruption in aged care facilities and other institutional settings. Failure to manage scabies outbreaks may be attributable to low awareness among health care workers. A survey was distributed to several aged care facilities in South-East Queensland, Australia. The survey captured demographics, prior scabies experience and knowledge-based questions. Scabies was common in aged care facilities, with 41% of 128 respondents encountering the disease in the ten years prior. Participants demonstrated sound theoretical knowledge regarding scabies (median knowledge score 82%). The level of scabies knowledge was associated with respondent age (p = 0.017). Respondents demonstrated an inconsistent ability to identify atypical clinical presentations of scabies, showing discordance between theoretical knowledge and its practical application. The ability to identify crusted scabies was low, reflecting the high frequency of misdiagnosis of index cases in scabies outbreaks. Respondents considered scabies to be a problem and were supportive of improved management guidelines. These study outcomes will inform the design of accessible, targeted educational resources for scabies to help prevent and reduce the impact of outbreaks.