Animal parasitology & immunogenetics lab

We are the Animal Parasitology & Immunogenetics Lab (API) and are based at the AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience at La Trobe University, Bundoora.

Our group is led by Professor Mike Stear, who has over 40 years of experience in parasite research. The major aim of the group is to understand host-parasite interactions in animals, and to use this understanding to improve methods of parasite control.

Of particular interest to our group are roundworms, the most-costly animal health condition in Australian livestock. In Victoria, the major parasite effecting sheep flocks is the brown stomach worm. This parasite is rapidly developing drench resistance, therefore better methods of control need to be developed.

Research areas

  • Breeding sheep and cattle for resistance to disease
  • Immunity to parasitic infections
  • The role of eosinophils in host resistance to parasites
  • The role of the MHC in resistance to roundworm infections

Meet the group

Group members

Lab Head

Professor Mike Stear

Postdoctoral Research Officer

Dr Caitlin Jenvey

PhD students

Dalal Alenizi
Fazel Almasi
Sarah Sloan

Honours student

Anthea Lam
Emma Halliwell
Mikaeylah Davidson

Publications

The group has published over 200 papers in peer-reviewed international journals.

For a list of publications see:
Google Scholar [external link] or view Professor Stear’s Scholar Profile

Services

Fecal egg counting

Fecal egg counting

Nematode Resistance ELISA

Nematode Resistance ELISA

Our group can perform testing for nematode resistance and faecal egg counting. Please contact us if you are interested in using these services.

Contact Us

If you would like to get in touch with our research group, please contact Professor Stear directly:

Email: M.Stear@latrobe.edu.au
Phone: (03) 9032 7448