The epidemiology of canine gastrointestinal parasitic zoonoses in different community settings in Thailand. The dog's role in transmitting zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites to humans has been recognised as a significant public health problem worldwide. Surveillance data with regard to canine parasites in Thailand and its regional countries is largely lacking, especially with regard to the dog's role as a perpetuator of the liver and intestinal flukes. This project aims to provide an accurate ....The epidemiology of canine gastrointestinal parasitic zoonoses in different community settings in Thailand. The dog's role in transmitting zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites to humans has been recognised as a significant public health problem worldwide. Surveillance data with regard to canine parasites in Thailand and its regional countries is largely lacking, especially with regard to the dog's role as a perpetuator of the liver and intestinal flukes. This project aims to provide an accurate and comprehensive assessment of the risks these parasites pose to the public using a combination of conventional and novel molecular epidemiological tools. Successful completion of this project will provide a model for control programs to be generated in the SE Asian region.Read moreRead less
Red Cell Polymorphisms and Malaria. Certain red blood cell disorders have been associated with innate protection against malaria infection. However many early studies were inconclusive. We intend to carry out a comprehensive study to investigate the effect of red blood cell differences on the invasion and/or growth of Plasmodium falciparum in vitro using improved techniques. Identification of red cell components involved in interaction with P.falciparum would give a better understanding of host ....Red Cell Polymorphisms and Malaria. Certain red blood cell disorders have been associated with innate protection against malaria infection. However many early studies were inconclusive. We intend to carry out a comprehensive study to investigate the effect of red blood cell differences on the invasion and/or growth of Plasmodium falciparum in vitro using improved techniques. Identification of red cell components involved in interaction with P.falciparum would give a better understanding of host parasite interactions which may in turn suggest novel approaches or pathways to persue. This may eventually lead to the development of novel therapeutics.
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Molecular Ecology of Cryptosporidium in Rural and Urban NSW. Cryptosporidiosis is of particular concern in rural NSW. Significant increases in the incidence of cryptosporidiosis coupled with repeated outbreaks in regional areas demonstrate a need for improved management strategies. This project will identify transmission patterns of this disease relevant to the Australian environment, which is essential for future control. The reduction of economic costs for medical treatment of cryptosporidiosi ....Molecular Ecology of Cryptosporidium in Rural and Urban NSW. Cryptosporidiosis is of particular concern in rural NSW. Significant increases in the incidence of cryptosporidiosis coupled with repeated outbreaks in regional areas demonstrate a need for improved management strategies. This project will identify transmission patterns of this disease relevant to the Australian environment, which is essential for future control. The reduction of economic costs for medical treatment of cryptosporidiosis and improved on-farm management through control of Cryptosporidium transmission from farm animals are significant to public health and of national and community benefit. The primary national benefit will be improved rural community health through prevention of cryptosporidiosis outbreaks.Read moreRead less
Identification of structural proteins in the tissue cyst wall of Toxoplasma gondii. Most infections with Toxoplasma gondii are asymptomatic, however, infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage or blindness, deafness and mental retardation in the developing baby. Furthermore, in AIDS patients, toxoplasmosis is the leading cause of fatal encephalitis as the normally dormant tissue cysts are reactivated in the absence of an effective immune system. In Australia, it has been estimated that ~ ....Identification of structural proteins in the tissue cyst wall of Toxoplasma gondii. Most infections with Toxoplasma gondii are asymptomatic, however, infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage or blindness, deafness and mental retardation in the developing baby. Furthermore, in AIDS patients, toxoplasmosis is the leading cause of fatal encephalitis as the normally dormant tissue cysts are reactivated in the absence of an effective immune system. In Australia, it has been estimated that ~30% of the population is infected with T. gondii and the occurrence of congenital toxoplasmosis is 0.2% of live births, which translates to roughly 500 cases/year. Our research will identify structural proteins in Toxoplasma cyst walls that will lead to the design of new strategies to control the diseases caused by these parasites.Read moreRead less