Parasitology

Lead researcher

Terry SpithillProfessor Terry Spithill

Professor, College of Science, Health and Engineering

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Parasites such as liver flukes (Fasciola hepatica, Fasciola gigantica) cause major diseases of man and animals throughout the world but drug resistance threatens fluke control. The control of these diseases requires research into new drugs, vaccines and diagnostics. Research in the Department is aimed at developing control measures based on biochemical, immunological and molecular research.

Programs available

  • Biochemical and proteomic analysis of liver fluke tegument proteins and their potential as targets for new vaccines
  • Analysis of immune responses in sheep and cattle associated with resistance to liver fluke: this analysis may identify novel candidate vaccine targets
  • Understanding the genetic diversity of drug resistant liver flukes in Australia.
Juvenile liver fluke parasites which cause disease in humans and animals Source: D Piedrafita (Monash) and T Spithill (McGill).
Adult liver flukes from Indonesia (top) and Australia (bottom). The parasites from SE Asia are larger than those found in temperate countries. Source: D Piedrafita (Monash) and T Spithill (McGill).
Juvenile Fasciola parasites. This parasite causes liver fluke disease in humans and animals Source: D Piedrafita (Monash) and T Spithill (McGill).
Liver fluke: Adult Fasciola hepatica from bile ducts.
Liver stage parasites.
Fasciolosis - an international livestock disease.