Parasitology

Last changed: 21 April 2017

In the parasitology unit the emphasis is on the sustainable control of parasitic worm infections (helminths) including some of which are zoonotic. Linked to this are detailed studies on the population genetics and transmission biology of these parasites including issues related to the development of anthelmintic resistance. The aim is to meet the requirements of sustainable livestock management, where large-scale routine treatment with anti-parasitic drugs is not an option.

Currently our research is focussed on the development of novel diagnostic tools including those based on next generation sequencing strategies, along with studies on the epidemiology and sustainable control of major helminthoses of animals, including those that are zoonotic. Currently the activities comprise 3 major research lines conducted both in Sweden and in developing countries.

Core research involve projects on:

a) Control of nematode infections and detection of anthelmintic resistance (AR) in

  • Cattle and sheep
  • Poultry
  • Horses

b) Studies of the common liverfluke (Fasciola hepatica)

c) The ecology and transmission of zoonotic cestodes

Group members:

  • Johan Höglund, Professor
  • Adam Novobilsky, Researcher
  • Eva Tydén, Researcher
  • Moa Skarin, BMA-technichian
  • Peter Halvarsson, Post doc
  • Behdad Tarbiat, PhD-student
  • Justine Maganira, PhD student
  • Frida Martin, PhD-student
  • Arvid Uggla, Professor emeritus

Former PhD-students & post docs at BVF-parasitology / Previous group members:

  • Andrea Miller, graduated 2016 (The role of rodents in the transmission of Echinococcus multilocularis and other tapeworms in a low endemic area)
  • Camilla Wallander, graduated 2016 (Toxoplasma gondii in wild boars and domestic pigs in Sweden)
  • Immaculate Nabukenya, graduated 2015 (Anthelmintic Resistance and Evaluation of Tephrosia vogelii, Vernonia amygdalina and Senna occidentalis for Treatment of Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Goats in Uganda)
  • Marlene Areskog, graduated 2014 (Evaluation of macrocyclic lactine resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes of first season grazing cattle)
  • Sara Brännström, graduated 2010 (Transmission routes and vector potential of the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae)
  • Seng Sokerya, graduated 2009 (The effects of cassava foliage (Manihot esculenta) on gastrointestinal parasites of small ruminants in Cambodia)
  • Anna Maria Pyziel, Post doc 2014-2015 (Phylogeny of lungworms of wild ruminants)
  • Adam Novobilsky', Post doc 2010-2014 (Diagnosis and epeidemiology of fasciolosis in ruminants)
  • Eva Tydén. Post doc 2010-2012 (Anthelmintic resisatance in the equine roundworm)
  • Kasia Goździk, Post doc 2008-2010 (Serodiagnosis of bovine lungworm infection)
  • Sofia Sollenberg, Lab technichian 2010-2014
  • Annie Engström, Lab researcher, 2008-2015