Parasitic infections

1) Host parasite interactions
Most parasites manipulate the host response such that the parasite can survive for long periods within their host. Our research aims to identify mechanisms the blood dwelling worm Schistosoma mansoni uses to affect the host immune response (immune modulating factors) and the host haemostasis (anti-thrombotic factors).

2) Target discovery for drug development
Parasites often have special adaptations that are essential to survive in their host. Some of these adaptations proofed to be valid targets to treat diseases. Our research focusses on unique processes in anaerobic energy metabolism of parasites, as energy metabolism (ATP production) is essential for all cells and because the energy metabolism in most parasites differs from that of the host.

3) Improved diagnostics and treatment
Over the last decade the national expertise centre for parasitology of the Erasmus MC has gathered a large biobank of clinical materials and has set up a comprehensive clinical database for imported parasitic diseases that can be life threatening (e.g. malaria and leishmaniasis). This biobank and clinical database are used to evaluate and develop novel diagnostic methods (e.g. molecular and serological detection methods, identification of markers for disease severity).

Principal Investigators:

• Jaap J. van Hellemond, PhD
• Aloysius (Lodewijk) G.M. Tielens, Professor

Team members:

• Gerdie M. de Jong, MD
• Michiel L. Bexkens
• Rob Koelewijn
• Maarten Sarink