Construction of a preliminary digital parasite specimen database for parasitology education and research

Despite advances in non-morphology-based parasite diagnostic techniques, traditional microscopy-based morphologic analysis remains essential for diagnosing parasitic infections. Therefore, parasite morphology is a crucial aspect of pre-graduate medical education. However, parasite specimen acquisition in developed countries is challenging because of the low rate of parasitic infections owing to improved sanitation. Hence, we acquired 50 slide specimens (parasite eggs, adults, and arthropods) from the Kyoto University and Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine and created virtual slide data. All specimens ranging from parasitic eggs, adult worms, ticks and insects (typically observed under low magnification) to malarial parasites (typically observed under high magnification) were scanned successfully. These virtual slides were compiled into a digital database with folders organized by taxon. Explanatory notes in English and Japanese were attached to each specimen to facilitate learning. The data were uploaded to a shared server for institutions to facilitate practical training and research. The shared server enables approximately 100 individuals to access the data simultaneously. This database is expected to serve as an important resource for education and research in parasite morphology as additional parasitic slides and information are added in the future, contributing to the development of international parasitology education and future research.