Russia Turns to AI to Protect Animals From Drug-Resistant Parasites

A new laboratory devoted to AI‑enhanced parasitology research has opened at the St. Petersburg State University of Veterinary Medicine. Its mission is to study animal parasitic diseases using advanced digital tools and intelligent microscopy.

A multifunctional AI analyzer

The core of the new facility is a morphological multifunctional analyzer equipped with an AI‑based digital microscope. The device combines a modern optical microscope, a high‑resolution digital camera, and software for automated image analysis.

The system examines the structure and morphology of parasites in tissue samples, automatically highlights suspicious objects, compares them to reference images, and presents its conclusions on‑screen. AI handles the preliminary recognition, while a specialist reviews and confirms the results. This approach accelerates diagnostics and reduces the workload compared to traditional manual microscopy.

DNA‑level research

The laboratory is also equipped with immunochemical and biochemical analyzers for detecting molecules such as antibodies to parasitic diseases in livestock and domestic animals. For genetic studies, the facility includes a real‑time DNA amplifier and a transilluminator for electrophoresis. This enables researchers to study parasite genes and detect mutations associated with drug resistance.

Identifying mutations and treatment resistance

According to Yuri Kuznetsov, head of the Department of Parasitology, the new equipment allows precise identification of pathogens and analysis of mutations that influence the effectiveness of antiparasitic treatments. These findings are used in veterinary practice to select appropriate medications and control resistance trends.

Future applications

The upgraded facility will expand the scope of both theoretical and applied research. Planned projects include developing a SNAP test for diagnosing babesiosis in animals and studying borreliosis in veterinary medicine. Additional focus areas include endemic parasites affecting fish, amphibians, birds, and Arctic and Far Eastern helminths.