The transmission of malaria is dependent on gametocytes, the sexual stages of parasite development that are taken up by mosquitoes when feeding on an infected person. While gametocytes are not responsible for disease symptoms, it is clear that malaria eradication is not be possible without an understanding of their biology and the tools to prevent transmission. My research focuses on understanding the biology of gametocytes and identifying new drug targets for transmission blocking strategies.
Application Of New Chemistry Approaches For Antimalarial Drug Discovery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$74,263.00
Summary
Malaria kills approximately one million people annually. Currently there no vaccine and many of the available drugs are becoming less effective due the resistance of this highly adaptable parasite. My aim is to develop new chemical classes of drugs that inhibit different targets in the malaria parasite to the currently available drugs. In addition to this I aim to improve the present systems for assessing antimalarial drug effects using new chemical approaches and live parasite assays.
The Development Of A Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Assay For The Detection Of Strongyloides Stercoralis In The Stool.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$127,494.00
Summary
A new test will be developed for the detection of the worm, Strongyloides stercoralis in the stool. S. stercoralis infects millions of people worldwide and occurs in the north of Australia. It can occasionally cause a ‘hyperinfection’ with fatal consequences. The test is based on the DNA detection method, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), which can be performed using simple equipment. The aim will be to make this test as easy possible to perform and to evaluate its effectiveness.
The Consequence Of Plasmodium Falciparum Culturing Conditions On Tolerance To Anti-malarial Drugs.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$88,502.00
Summary
Culturing the parasite that causes malaria in the laboratory is essential for research. Variations in how the parasites are cultured will be investigated for their effect on the parasite. We are particularly interested in how different conditions affect the parasites’ response to malaria drugs. By understanding how environmental parameters impact on the parasites and their response to anti-malarial drugs, we will improve our understanding of drug resistance to malaria, thus design better drugs.