Parasitology
Lead researcher
Professor Terry Spithill
Professor, College of Science, Health and Engineering
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.
