Gastrointestinal parasites and their diagnosis
Funding: 2007: $61,778
2008: $61,778
2009: $61,778
Project Member(s): Ellis, J.
Funding or Partner Organisation: Australian Research Council (ARC Linkage Projects)
St Vincent's Hospital Sydney Limited (St. Vincent's Hospital Sydney partnership fund)
Start year: 2007
Summary: Gastrointestinal disease is common in the Australian population and there are a wide variety of causes. The parasite Dientamoeba fragilis is emerging as a common cause of diarrhoea and abdominal pain, but until recently was neglected and not diagnosed. We will study the culture, antigens and excreted secreted products of this parasite, in order to develop a new diagnostic method using monoclonal antibodies for detection of this parasite in faeces. Correct diagnosis will allow treatment, thereby preventing disease amongst Australians. We will also develop an animal model which will allow study of treatment regimes and pathology associated with infection
Publications:
Barratt, JLN, Banik, GR, Harkness, J, Marriott, D, Ellis, JT & Stark, D 2010, 'Newly defined conditions for the in vitro cultivation and cryopreservation of Dientamoeba fragilis: new techniques set to fast track molecular studies on this organism', PARASITOLOGY, vol. 137, no. 13, pp. 1867-1878.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
Keywords: Dientamoeba fragilis, Parasite, Culture, Animal model, Excreted secreted factors, Diagnosis,
FOR Codes: Medical Parasitology, Infectious Diseases, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Diagnostic methods, Digestive system and disorders, Digestive System Disorders, Medical parasitology , Clinical health, Provision of health and support services