Larisa Ivanescu | Vectors and Vector Borne Diseases |Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Larisa Ivanescu | Vectors and Vector Borne Diseases | Best Researcher Award 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Larisa Ivanescu | Iasi University of Life Scoences Ion Ionescu de la Brad | Romania

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Larisa Ivanescu is an accomplished veterinary scientist specializing in parasitology, vector-borne diseases, medical entomology, and molecular diagnostics. She holds a Ph.D. in Veterinary Medicine from “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Iași, focusing on the bioecology and pathogenicity of Culicidae, and has completed advanced studies in laboratory diagnosis and veterinary medicine. Her expertise encompasses molecular techniques such as end-point PCR, qRT-PCR, digital PCR, and MALDI-TOF, applied to the study of vectors and pathogens, as well as animal biology and parasitology. Dr. Ivănescu has extensive professional experience, progressing from Assistant and Postdoctoral Researcher to Lecturer, and currently serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Clinics at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iași. She has led and contributed to numerous national and international research projects, including the assessment of vectorial potential of mosquitoes and ticks in Romania, climate change impact modeling on vector-borne diseases, and seroprevalence studies of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. She has also participated in specialized training programs at institutions including Sorbonne University, France, and the University of Applied Sciences of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), Mendrisio, on vector control and molecular diagnostics. Dr. Ivănescu is a member of prominent professional societies, including the Romanian Society for Monitoring and Control of Vectors and Vector-borne Diseases (RoSMCVD), ESCMID, and the College and General Association of Veterinarians in Romania. She has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles, with more than 650 citations and an h-index of 14, contributing significantly to the understanding of vector ecology, molecular identification of pathogens, and the risk assessment of vector-borne disease emergence and re-emergence in Europe.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Ivănescu, L., Mîndru, R., Bodale, I., Apopei, G.-V., Andronic, L., Hristodorescu, S., Azoicăi, D., & Miron, L. Circulation of Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens species in mosquitoes in the southeastern part of Romania, under the influence of climate change. Life, 15(10), 1612.

Iacob, O. C., Pașca, A.-S., Olariu, L. A., Ivănescu, L. M., & Mareș, M. Controlled freezing inactivates Trichinella britovi in wild boar meat: Insights from a murine infection model and multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Veterinary World, 18, 1667–1674.

Miron, L.-D., & Ivănescu, L. The risk of vector-borne zoonotic disease transmission in the context of global warming. Conference Paper, 17–25.

Mîndru, R., Martinescu, G.-V., Ivănescu, L., Iacob, O., Andronic, L., Matfei, A., Acatrinei, D., & Miron, L. Current situation regarding tick infestations in dogs from Tulcea County. Scientific Papers Journal Veterinary Series, 3(19).

Nica, A.-A., Ivănescu, L., Andronic, L., Mîndru, R., Iacob, O., & Miron, L. Diagnosis and treatment of toxoplasmosis in cats. Scientific Papers Journal Veterinary Series, 3(14).

Maftei, A., Ivănescu, L., Andronic, L., Mîndru, R., Martinescu, G.-V., Acatrinei, D., Iacob, O., & Miron, L. Diagnosis of heartworm diseases through detection of antibodies. Scientific Papers Journal Veterinary Series, 3(15).

Andronic, B.-L., Ivănescu, M.-L., Martinescu, G.-V., Mîndru, R., Rotariu, A.-I., & Miron, L. Ecology and pathogenicity of sandfly vectors in Romania: Review. Scientific Papers Journal Veterinary Series, 3(2).

Dr. Solomon Jacob | Parasitology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Solomon Jacob | Parasitology | Best Researcher Award

Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria.

Dr. Solomon Monday Jacob (JSM) is a seasoned Medical Parasitologist and a Chief Medical Laboratory Scientist at the Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria. He serves as the Technical Lead for the National Schistosomiasis and Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis Control Programme, playing a pivotal role in expanding Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) control in Nigeria. With vast experience in malaria, onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, and NTD research, he has contributed significantly to disease prevention strategies. He has published numerous research papers and collaborates with global organizations on healthcare innovations.

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

Dr. Solomon Jacob holds a PhD in Medical Laboratory Science with a specialization in Medical Parasitology. His academic journey has equipped him with in-depth knowledge of infectious diseases, epidemiology, and diagnostic techniques. In addition to his doctorate, he has undergone extensive training in Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) control programs, focusing on strategies for disease surveillance, prevention, and treatment. His expertise in disease epidemiology has enabled him to contribute significantly to public health initiatives, research projects, and policy development aimed at reducing the burden of NTDs in Nigeria and beyond.

🏢 Professional Experience

Dr. Solomon Jacob is a dedicated Program Officer for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) at the Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria, where he plays a crucial role in formulating and implementing national disease control strategies. As a Chief Medical Laboratory Scientist, he leads technical initiatives for the Schistosomiasis & Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis Control Programme, focusing on innovative approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and eradication efforts.

Beyond his government role, Dr. Jacob serves as a Researcher and Consultant, contributing to significant projects on Malaria, Onchocerciasis, Lymphatic Filariasis, and other NTDs. His work involves operational research, policy advisory, and capacity building to strengthen disease surveillance and control measures. Additionally, he is an Editorial Board Member for renowned scientific journals such as PLoS NTD and Elsevier, furthering his impact in global health research.

🔬 Research Interests

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) 🦠

Schistosomiasis & Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis 🏥

Malaria & Vector-Borne Diseases 🦟

Onchocerciasis & Lymphatic Filariasis 🏨

Public Health & Disease Control Strategies

🏆 Awards & Recognitions

Recognized for strategic contributions to NTD control in Nigeria

Lead researcher in multiple operational health projects

Editorial Appointments with PLoS NTD, Elsevier

📚 Selected Publications

Schistosomiasis and Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis Among School-Age Children: Impact of 3–5 Annual Rounds of Mass Drug Administration in Ekiti State, Southwest Nigeria
🗓 2025-03-23 | Journal article | 📖 Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease
🔗 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed10040085
👥 Contributors: Solomon Monday Jacob, Jan-Carel Diehl, Gleb Vdovine, Temitope Agbana, Samuel Popoola, Satyajith Jujjavarapu, David Bell, Akande Oladimeji Ajayi, Joseph O. Fadare, Adebowale F. Akinwumi et al.

Impact of Preventive Chemotherapy on the Prevalence of Schistosomiasis and Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis Among School-Age Children After 3–5 Effective Rounds of Annual Mass Drug Administration in Ekiti State, Southwest Nigeria
🗓 2025-01-27 | Preprint
🔗 DOI: 10.20944/preprints202501.1916.v1
👥 Contributors: Solomon Monday Jacob, Jan-Carel Diehl, Gleb Vdovine, Temitope Agbana, Samuel Popoola, Satyajith Jujjavarapu, David Bell, Oladimeji Ajayi, Joseph O. Fadare, Adebowale F. Akinwumi et al.

Impact of Praziquantel Mass Drug Administration after Several Rounds on Schistosomiasis Among School-Aged Children in Abuja, Nigeria
🗓 2025-01-22 | Preprint
🔗 DOI: 10.20944/preprints202501.1625.v1
👥 Contributors: Solomon Monday Jacob, Sophie Y. Akinbo, Akinola Stephen Oluwole, Temitope Agbana, Zainab Omoruyi, Michael A. Okungbowa, Diehl Jan-Carel, Fredrick O. Akinbo

Community Mobilisation for Human Sample Collection in Sensitive Communities: Experiences from Granular Mapping of Schistosomiasis and Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Ekiti State, South West, Nigeria
🗓 2024-10-25 | Journal article | 📖 Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease
🔗 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9110255
👥 Contributors: Temitope Agbana, Omolade Omotade, Moses Aderogba, David Bell, Jacob Solomon, Saheed Animashaun, Peace Alabi, Oladimeji Ajayi, Adebowale Akinwumi, Samuel Popoola et al.

Community Mobilisation for Human Sample Collection in Sensitive Communities: Experiences from Granular Mapping of Schistosomiasis & Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Ekiti State, Nigeria
🗓 2024-09-16 | Preprint
🔗 DOI: 10.20944/preprints202409.1200.v1
👥 Contributors: Temitope Agbana, Omolade Omotade, Moses Aderogba, David Bell, Jacob Solomon, Saheed Animashaun, Peace Alabi, Oladimeji Ajayi, Adebowale Akinwumi, Samuel Popoola et al.