Dissertation
Molecular investigation of interactions between snail host and helminth parasite
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00877
Abstract
Helminth (worm) parasitic infections pose a significant global health burden, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, incurring billions of dollars (USD) annually for treatment, prevention, and control measures. Two of the most devastating trematode helminth-derived diseases are caused by Schistosoma and Fasciola, the aetiological agents of human schistosomiasis and fascioliasis, respectively. Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease, is considered endemic worldwide, afflicting over 200 million individuals and resulting in up to 200,000 fatalities each year. Fascioliasis, on the other hand, is an emerging zoonotic disease with a widespread distribution across all continents except Antarctica, spanning over 70 countries, predominantly in regions with abundant sheep or cattle populations. The annual losses to the livestock industry due to fascioliasis are estimated to exceed US$3.2 billion. Despite the substantial impact of these helminth diseases (and others), our understanding of the molecular interplay between parasites and their intermediate snail hosts remains limited, primarily due to the paucity of genomic resources for both the snail vectors and the miracidia larval stages of the parasites. In this PhD Thesis research, the aim was to address this knowledge gap by investigating potential key components, namely receptors, microRNAs (miRNAs) and semiochemicals involved in host-host/host-parasite detection and infection.
Details
- Title
- Molecular investigation of interactions between snail host and helminth parasite
- Authors
- Phong Phan - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Contributors
- Scott Cummins (Principal Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for BioinnovationTianfang Wang (Co-Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for Bioinnovation
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00877
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991067194002621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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