Impact Of The Three Gorges Dam On Transmission And Future Control Of Human Schistosomiasis In China
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,420,135.00
Summary
A million Chinese have schistosomiasis or snail fever. When the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River is fully operational, considerable environmental-ecological changes will result, increasing spread of this parasitic disease. In a unique study we will assess the impact of the Dam on schistosomiasis, and test and model a series of options for its control. The findings will be important for China and other areas where schistosomiasis occurs and where similar dams are planned or are under way.
Interactions Between Excretory-secretory Proteins Of The Carcinogenic Liver Fluke And Host Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$489,122.00
Summary
Throughout East Asia, there is a strikingly high prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA - cancer of the bile ducts) in regions where the human liver fluke is endemic. How the parasite casues cancer is multi-factorial, but one suspected mechanism is via the secretion of parasite proteins that enter bile duct cells and cause them to proliferate. We aim to understand this process and ultimately develop new control strategies to reduce the prevalence or the infection and CCA.