Parasites Research Group

Key aims and expertise

The parasitology group studies parasites ranging from intracellular protozoa, such as Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum, to large multi-cellular worms including Fasciola hepatica.

Areas of investigation include:

• The function of parasite-derived molecules in controlling host immunity thereby enhancing survival of both pathogen and host.

• The role of macrophages, T-cells and regulatory cytokines in controlling parasitic infection and the effects of these in bystander infection.

• Various aspects of protozoa infection including neuroparasitology, stress tolerance in T. gondii, bradyzoite-tachyzoite conversion, and the development of novel invertebrate models of infection.  

Current projects

1. Some of our currently active projects are listed below with the name of a contact person for further information:
2. The function of monocyte and macrophage derived cytokines in directing T-cell responses during infection (Dr Robin Flynn) 
3. Fasciola hepatica: Bioinformatic approaches for identification of diagnostic and vaccine targets (Dr Robin Flynn) 
4. Co-infection of cattle with Fasciola hepatica and Mycobacterium bovis: Implications for animal health and welfare (Dr Robin Flynn) 
5. Perturbation of mitochondrial signalling pathways in endothelial cells infected with Neospora caninum (Dr Hany Elsheikha) 
6. Locusts as an alternative infection model to study Neospora caninum neuropathogenesis (Dr Hany Elsheikha) 
7. Integrated nano-imaging system for studying and treatment of Toxoplasma gondii infection-related eye disease (Dr Hany Elsheikha) 
8. Novel therapeutic strategies for Acanthamoeba keratitis 
   (Dr Hany Elsheikha) 
9. Label-free visualisation of lipid changes within blood brain barrier cells under parasite attack by 3rd harmonic generation microscopy (Dr Hany Elsheikha) 
10. Infection-associated encephalopathy: alterations in neuronal function underlying the neuronal deficits in toxoplasma gondii and viral infection (Dr Hany Elsheikha) 
11. WildTech: novel technologies for surveillance of emerging and re-emerging infections of wildlife (Prof Duncan Hannant)

Significant results