Speakers

Rashidul Haque

Place of Birth : Bangladesh
Position : Senior Scientist and Head of Emerging Infections and Parasitology Laboratory, International Centre for Diarrheal Diseases, Bangladesh
Field of study : Molecular diagnostics of parasitic and enteric infections; clinical research in the field of malnutrition and enteric diseases; clinical trials of drugs and vaccines

Prof. Rashidul Haque boasts an impressive research career spanning over 32 years, with a focus on enteric infections, parasitic diseases, and diarrheal diseases. He has successfully led longitudinal cohort studies in Bangladesh in collaboration with esteemed scientists from the United States. Dr. Haque began his early career by dedicating his efforts to understanding the pathogenesis and diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections, particularly amebiasis. Building upon this foundation, he expanded his research endeavours to encompass other diagnostic aspects of enteric infections and parasitic diseases, as well as investigating the impact of malnutrition and vaccine underperformance.

A significant milestone in Dr. Haque's career was the installation of the first quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) machine at his laboratory within the icddr,b in 2001.

Currently, Dr. Haque is involved in various projects focused on the diagnostics and epidemiology of crucial parasitic and enteric infections, along with researching to elucidate the biological mechanisms contributing to vaccine underperformance and child malnutrition.

Notably, his collaborative efforts with TechLab, Inc. and the University of Virginia in the US have resulted in the development of FDA-cleared diagnostic tests, now marketed globally. These innovative tests encompass a range of conditions, including amebiasis, cryptosporidiosis, and giardiasis. Utilizing advanced techniques such as qPCR and multiplexed PCR, as well as point-of-care devices, healthcare professionals can promptly diagnose these infections during patient consultations. Furthermore, Dr. Haque's expertise extends to various parasitic and neglected diseases such as amebiasis, cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, malaria, leishmaniasis, and dengue. Dr. Haque has authored more than 400 peer-reviewed publications, which have significantly advanced the understanding of molecular diagnostics of enteric infections and yielded numerous other significant discoveries in the realm of parasitic and enteric diseases.

Experiences

• 2019 - Present; Senior Scientist and Head of Emerging Infections and Parasitology Laboratory, International Centre for Diarrheal Diseases, Bangladesh (icddr,b)
• 2016 - 2019; Head, Enteric and Respiratory Infections Programme, icddr,b
• 2011 - 2016; Senior Scientist and Head of Emerging Infections & Parasitology Laboratory, icddr,b
• 2003 – 2010; Scientist and Head of Parasitology Laboratory, Laboratory Sciences Division, icddr,b
• 1995 - 2002; Associate Scientist/Head, Parasitology Laboratory, Laboratory Sciences Division, icddr,b
• 1989 – 1995; Assistant Scientist, Parasitology Laboratory, Laboratory Sciences Division, icddr,b
• 1986 - 1987; Clinical Ordinator Training, Institute of Infectious and Parasitic Disease, Medical Academy, Sofia, Bulgaria