A number of faculty members from the Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology for Postgraduate Studies / University of Baghdad participated in the Third National Conference on Animal Parasitic Diseases and Zoonoses, hosted by Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. They also made special visits to several specialized research centers in fields of mutual scientific interest with the Institute, in addition to holding a series of meetings with Iranian academics.
Dr. Ahmed Saadi Khalaf, Lecturer at the Institute, presented his research at the conference titled:
“Molecular Mimicry as a Common Factor in the Immune Response to Rheumatic Fever and Toxoplasmosis.”
The study aimed to highlight the role of molecular mimicry as a shared immunological mechanism between rheumatic fever, one of the most serious complications of Streptococcus A infection, and toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma gondii), a widespread parasitic disease.
On the sidelines of the conference, the faculty delegation from the Institute met with the senior academic staff of Ferdowsi University, including the University President, his deputies, the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, several heads of academic departments, as well as representatives from the Biotechnology Research Center, Nanotechnology Center, and Food Technology Center. The meetings focused on enhancing and strengthening scientific cooperation between the Institute and Ferdowsi University and its research centers to advance collaborative research and modern educational curricula.
It is worth mentioning that a large number of Iranian researchers, including professors from Ferdowsi University and other universities, had also made distinguished contributions to the Sixth International Scientific Conference held on April 20, 2025, by presenting a series of scientific studies.
