Professor S.Khostelidi delivered a master class on contemporary issues in mycology in Almaty
On May 6, 2026, a master class titled “Current trends in mycology and diagnostic criteria for invasive mycoses” was held at the T. Sharmanov Hall of Fame. The session was delivered by Professor S.Khostelidi, MD, PhD, of the department of clinical mycology, allergology and immunology at I.I. Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University (Saint Petersburg, Russia).
During the master class, modern methods for diagnosing fungal infections were thoroughly reviewed, ranging from classical laboratory and microscopic techniques to advanced molecular genetic approaches. Professor Khostelidi introduced a new classification of fungi, as well as updated staining techniques that improve their identification. She also emphasized current data on antifungal resistance and discussed candidal sepsis. Participants were introduced to registries of the Russian Federation, a new PCR-based diagnostic kit for mycoses, and the strain collection of the P.M. Kashkin Research Institute of Medical Mycology.
The visiting professor also addressed challenging aspects of differential diagnosis and the detection of invasive mycoses. Particularly valuable were the discussions of real clinical cases, which helped participants better understand the practical application of diagnostic algorithms.
A total of 88 participants attended the master class, including faculty members and practicing laboratory diagnostics specialists from Almaty, Almaty Region, East Kazakhstan Region, and national-level institutions. The event brought together representatives from numerous organizations, including the National Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory of KazNMU, the Shared Research Center of KazNMU, dermatovenerologic dispensaries, Alatau Lab LLP, city polyclinics No. 2, 23, and 30, the Rheumatology Center, Zaisan District Hospital of the East Kazakhstan Region Health Department, the National Hospital of the Medical Center of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, KDL “Olymp,” A.N. Syzganov National Scientific Center of Surgery JSC, Karasai Multidisciplinary Central District Hospital, regional dermatovenerologic dispensary, Center of Phthisiopulmonology, MYLab LLP, National Scientific Center for Infectious Diseases, Kazakh Research Veterinary Institute LLP, Central City Clinical Hospital, Sana Laboratory LLP, Central City Clinical Infectious Diseases Hospital, Open Medical Channel Medical Center LLP, National Center for Healthy Lifestyle Development, Emergency Care Hospital, Center for Maternal and Child Health, Nurlab-2030 LLP, Children’s City Clinical Infectious Diseases Hospital, Republican Center for Sanitary and Epidemiological Expertise, veterinary laboratories, Q-lab LLP, and the City Phthisiopulmonology Center.
The master class concluded with an active discussion: participants asked questions, shared experiences, and analyzed complex cases from laboratory practice. The meeting was held in the format of a dynamic professional dialogue and left a positive impression on all attendees.
The event was organized within the framework of international cooperation and contributed to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3, SDG 4, and SDG 9).
At the end of the event, all participants were awarded the monograph “Fungi of the Genus Candida: Microbiological Aspects of Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Prospects for Control”; methodological guidelines on the diagnosis of Candida species developed by the department, branded KazNMU planners, and certificates of participation.
Participants also exchanged contacts for further professional collaboration.
