ORCID Profile
0000-0001-8218-7048
Current Organisation
Murdoch University
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Publisher: Magnolia Press
Date: 26-05-2017
DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.4272.1.2
Abstract: Limited knowledge regarding the biology and identification of the Australian tick Ixodes myrmecobii exists with only the female described to date. Here we provide a description of the male and nymph as well as a redescription of the female. All described stages are molecularly characterised using the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) loci. An updated list of hosts is presented including the first records from humans, cattle and several native species. Information on the distribution and conservation status of this species is also included.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.ACTATROPICA.2016.11.010
Abstract: Following confirmation that a remote village of approximately 300 inhabitants in northern Lao PDR was hyperendemic for the Neglected Tropical Disease Taenia solium, a pilot human-porcine therapeutic control intervention was implemented between October 2013 and November 2014. Mass drug administration with a three day albendazole 400mg protocol was offered to all eligible humans in October 2013 and March 2014. At these times, and again in October 2014, eligible village pigs received the anti-cysticercosis TSOL18 vaccination and an oral dose of oxfendazole anthelmintic at 30mg/kg, both repeated one month later. Community and in idual human taeniasis prevalences were estimated via copro-antigen ELISA of volunteered human faecal s les prior to October 2013, and again in January 2015, in order to examine the short term impact of the intervention.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.2981/WLB.00442
Abstract: Brushtail possums Trichosurus vulpecula remain in many areas of Perth, Western Australia, despite urbanisation. However, there are no data available regarding parasitic infections in this species in this locale, despite the relevance to wildlife health, and to public health when considering anthropozoonoses (infections that can spread from humans to animals, and vice versa). Further, though urbanisation is speculated to entail changes to wildlife infection epidemiology, there are few data investigating this hypothesis in marsupial populations in urbanised environments in Australia. This study aimed to measure T. gondii seroprevalence, gastrointestinal parasite prevalences, and macroscopic ectoparasite prevalences and intensities, in brushtail possums in the greater Perth region. It also aimed to compare infection prevalences between brushtail possum trapped in urbanised environments and bushland. As part of a cross‐sectional study, 18 brushtail possums were trapped and s led in bushland, 15 possums were trapped and s led in urbanised environments, and 23 possum carcasses were obtained from a wildlife hospital, in the greater Perth region. This study provides parasite prevalence data, new host records for the ectoparasites Pygiopsylla tunneyi and Liponyssoides sp., and a new location record for the ectoparasite Haemaphysalis bremneri . Urbanised environments were inversely associated with prevalence of tick (Family Ixodidae) infections, and more specifically Amblyomma spp. infections. This study found no evidence that the Perth brushtail possum population is a substantial reservoir of anthropozoonotic parasites, though larger studies are required to confirm these findings.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 08-12-2017
Abstract: We aimed to validate the use of 1) the modified agglutination test and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol in detecting Toxoplasma gondii infection in quenda ( Isoodon obesulus) and brushtail possums ( Trichosurus vulpecula) 2) immunofluorescence microscopy of feces and a PCR and sequencing protocol in detecting Giardia spp. infection in quenda and 3) a fecal flotation protocol in detecting gastrointestinal helminth infections of quenda. Quenda and brushtail possum carcasses, and s les from trapped quenda, were tested with 2 parasite detection tests per parasite, and results were modeled using Bayesian latent class analysis to estimate test sensitivity and specificity. The modified agglutination test and the PCR protocol were highly specific at detecting T. gondii infections in quenda and brushtail possums (≥93%) however, data were insufficient to assess sensitivity with adequate precision. Immunofluorescence microscopy and the PCR and sequencing protocol were both highly specific at detecting Giardia spp. in quenda (≥96%), but the PCR and sequencing protocol was relatively insensitive (69%, 95% credible interval [CrI]: 60–77%) compared to the highly sensitive immunofluorescence microscopy (98%, 95% CrI: 93–99%). The fecal flotation protocol was generally highly specific in the detection of gastrointestinal helminth infections (≥94%, with the exception of Trichuris spp. (88%, 95% CrI: 71–99%). The fecal flotation protocol was moderately to highly sensitive (≥74%) in the detection of strongyles, Labiobulura spp., Linstowinema spp., and Trichuris spp. Sensitivity was poor for detection of the cestode genus Potorolepis (36%, 95% CrI: 14–67%).
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.ACTATROPICA.2016.03.012
Abstract: Following confirmation that a remote village of approximately 300 inhabitants in northern Lao PDR was hyperendemic for the Neglected Tropical Disease Taenia solium, a pilot human-porcine therapeutic control intervention was implemented between October 2013 and November 2014. Mass drug administration with a three day albendazole 400mg protocol was offered to all eligible humans in October 2013 and March 2014. At these times, and again in October 2014, eligible village pigs received the anti-cysticercosis TSOL18 vaccination and an oral dose of oxfendazole anthelmintic at 30mg/kg, both repeated one month later. Community and in idual human taeniasis prevalences were estimated via copro-antigen ELISA of volunteered human faecal s les prior to October 2013, and again in January 2015, in order to examine the short term impact of the intervention.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.MEEGID.2015.09.028
Abstract: Giardia and Cryptosporidium are ubiquitous enteric protozoan pathogens of vertebrates. Although recognised as the aetiological agents of disease in humans and domestic animals for many years, fundamental questions concerning their ecology have been unresolved. Molecular tools have helped to better understand their genetic ersity and in so doing have helped to resolve questions about their transmission patterns and associated impacts on public health. However, the value of molecular tools is often complicated by questions concerning their applications, interpretation of results and terminology. Taxonomic issues have, until recently, made it difficult to determine the epidemiology of infections with both Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Similarly, improved understanding of their respective phylogenetic relationships has helped to resolve questions about zoonotic potential and distribution in wildlife. In the case of Cryptosporidium, imaging technologies have complemented phylogenetic studies in demonstrating the parasite's affinities with gregarine protozoa and have further supported its extracellular developmental capability and potential role as an environmental pathogen.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-07-2023
DOI: 10.1111/TMI.13917
Abstract: Taenia solium is ranked the most significant global foodborne parasite and the leading cause of epilepsy in low and middle‐income countries. Diagnostic challenges have h ered disease control efforts to date and WHO has called for the development of risk mapping tools to assist endemic countries. This study describes the application of multicriteria decision analysis to map the risk of T. solium in Lao PDR and acts as a case study for other endemic countries. Multicriteria decision analysis was completed using census data on relevant risk factors in Lao PDR. Factors were weighted using an analytical hierarchy process. Village risk scores were calculated using a weighted linear combination and categorised using the Fisher‐Jenks algorithm into low, medium, and high risk. District risk scores and categories were calculated using the mean village risk score for a district. Sensitivity analysis was completed by doubling and halving risk factor weights, one at a time, and assessing the standard deviation of scores and categories across all scenarios. A total of 2017 (23.7%) villages were classified as high risk, with 3312 (39.0%) medium and 3170 (37.3%) low risk. This resulted in 21 (14.2%) high‐risk districts, 83 (56.1%) medium and 44 (29.7%) low‐risk districts. The risk maps highlight two areas of interest which are high risk and low variation. The first is the northern province of Phongsaly, which is consistent with literature and anecdotal reports. The second is the southern Salavan and Xekong provinces, which have yet to be investigated in detail. Multicriteria decision analysis has provided a simple, rapid, and flexible approach to mapping the risk of T. solium in Lao PDR. The nature of the method means that it can be completed in any endemic country with available and appropriate risk factor data.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.VETPAR.2018.11.013
Abstract: The control of parasitic infections is particularly challenging in environments that are conducive to the maintenance of parasite lifecycles, such as the greyhound kennel, where the long-term breeding and rearing of dogs is common. The prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites within the Australian greyhound population has never previously been assessed, which seriously constrains the implementation of effective control measures. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence and risk factors for GI parasites in Australian greyhounds, identify parasites which may be detrimental to the health and performance of dogs, and evaluate the likelihood of zoonotic transmission to kennel staff. Faecal s les were collected from 721 in idual greyhounds situated in kennels across five states of Australia Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. Animal husbandry and current parasite control protocols were obtained from each kennel and analysed in conjunction with the detected level of parasitism. Overall parasite prevalence was approximately 60%, ranging from 50 to 70% between states. Eleven parasite genera were identified, with Sarcocystis, hookworm, Giardia and Toxocara detected most frequently. Generalised linear mixed model analyses found the major risk factors associated with parasitism were: a) the type of substrate which dogs were housed b) age of dogs and c) geographic region. Parasitism was associated most frequently with young dogs housed on grass/sand substrates, which allowed parasite lifecycles to continue, with constant reinfection the likely outcome. Routine treatment with broad-spectrum anthelmintics did not provide effective control in these environments and the adoption of alternate parasite control strategies is recommended. A substantial risk from zoonotic parasites was also identified, with six of the eleven parasite genera detected considered to be zoonotic and a poor understanding of zoonotic transmission among kennel managers.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.VPRSR.2016.02.002
Abstract: This report describes the detection and molecular characterisation of Neospora/Hammondia-like oocysts from naturally infected dogs. Single faecal s les were collected from 160 in idual greyhounds and multiple faecal s les were collected from 5 Labrador litters within a breeding kennel. Microscopy analysis detected Neospora/Hammondia like oocysts in 2 greyhounds and one litter of Labrador puppies. PCR protocols targeting the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS-1) and the large subunit (LSU) rDNA (D2/D3 domains) confirmed the presence of H. heydorni in both greyhounds and N. caninum in the Labrador litter. Dietary information obtained for all positive dogs indicate the source of infection was through regular exposure to a commercially obtained raw meat diet. These results report for the first time a natural infection with H. heydorni in dogs in Australia and also the first co-occurrence of N. caninum and H. heydorni in an Australian urban region.
Publisher: American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Date: 04-2010
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.VETPAR.2010.08.034
Abstract: The African painted dog (Lycaon pictus) is an endangered carnivore of sub-Saharan Africa. To assist in conservation efforts a parasitological survey was conducted on wild and captive populations. Faecal s les were collected and examined for the presence of parasites using traditional microscopy techniques. The protozoan Giardia duodenalis was identified at a prevalence of approximately 26% in the wild populations and 62% in the captive population. Molecular characterisation of these isolates using three loci, 18S rRNA, β-giardin and the glutamate dehydrogenase gene revealed the zoonotic assemblages A and B existed in high proportions in both populations. The dog assemblages C and D were rarely observed. The identification of the zoonotic genotype suggests this species has the potential to act as a reservoir for human infections. Zoonotic transmission may be possible in captive populations due to the close interaction with humans however, in wild populations anthropozoonotic transmission seems more likely. This study is the first to observe G. duodenalis in the African painted dog and to identify a possible emerging disease in this wild carnivore.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-02-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.ACTATROPICA.2015.05.018
Abstract: Taenia solium taeniasis-cysticercosis and soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are parasitic Neglected Tropical Diseases endemic throughout Southeast Asia. Within Lao PDR, a remote northern hill tribe village had previously been identified as a hyper endemic focus for T. solium. To reduce this observed prevalence, a One Health intervention covering both pigs and humans was implemented, which included two Mass drug administrations (MDA1 and MDA2) for village residents using a triple dose albendazole 400mg treatment regime. In addition to the effect on T. solium levels, the dual impact of this anthelmintic regime on STHs within the community was also monitored. Faecal s les were collected pre and post MDA1 and MDA2 and analysed for the presence of Taenia species and the STHs Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm species. The McMaster technique was used to measure the changes in both prevalence and intensity of infection. Molecular characterisation of Taenia and hookworm species was conducted to detect zoonotic species. The level of taeniasis within the s led population decreased by 79.4% after MDA1, remained steady during the five month inter-treatment interval and decreased again by 100% after MDA2. The prevalence of STHs decreased by 65.5% and 62.8% after MDA1 and MDA2 respectively however an increase to 62.1% of pre MDA1 levels was detected during the inter-treatment interval. In idually, hookworm prevalence decreased by 83.4% (MDA1) and 84.5% (MDA2), A. lumbricoides by 95.6% and 93.5% and T. trichiura by 69.2% and 61%. The intensity of infection within the s led population also decreased, with egg reduction rates of 94.4% and 97.8% for hookworm, 99.4% and 99.3% for A. lumbricoides and 77.2% and 88.5% for T. trichiura. Molecular characterisation identified a T. solium tapeworm carrier from 21.6% (13/60) of households in the village. T. saginata was identified in 5% (3/60) of households. The zoonotic hookworm A. ceylanicum was detected in the resident dog population. These results suggest that the triple dose albendazole 400mg treatment regime achieved a significant reduction in the level of taeniasis whilst simultaneously reducing the STH burden within the village. The increased STH prevalence detected between MDAs reflects the need for behavioural changes and a sustained chemotherapy programme, which may also need to include the resident dog population.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2018
No related grants have been discovered for Amanda Ash.