New Tools to Understand and Control Endemic Parasites

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Parasitic diseases continue to be
an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The last decade has
provided a series of new tools for parasite control, however these are not yet
thoroughly applied in developing countries where most emerging and re-emerging
parasitic infections occur. This program aims to strengthen and interrelate
three already existing research lines in Peru, that will be used as a
comprehensive framework for the concerted use of these new tools. A core
structure covering immunology/parasitology and epidemiology/GIS/data
management will enhance the shared use of new technology for the diagnosis,
treatment, and control of endemic parasitic diseases. In order to improve E.
granulosus control methods, fast-track alternatives will be sought in Project
1 by defining transmission dynamics, targeting the definitive host. In
Project 2, new synthetic peptides will be screened and used in a field
applicable format to detect individuals with brain T. solium cysticercosis
before the appearance of symptoms to determine the utility of pre-symptomatic
antiparasitic therapy, and in Project 3, the basic patterns of transmission in
endemic zones of Cyclospora cayetanensis, a new human pathogen protozoa
described and named at the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, the applicant
institution, will be defined.