Diseases of High Burden in the Tropics
AITHM researchers working on Diseases of high burden in the Tropics focus on improving prevention, treatment and diagnosis of infectious and chronic diseases of relevance to the Tropics. Work in this area includes the development of new molecular therapeutics and diagnostics resulting from studies in immunology, host-pathogen interactions and epidemiology. Our vaccine development program includes vaccines for malaria and TB. Our researchers are also developing ways to exploit the potential benefits of tropical flora/fauna, including properties from helminths and toxins, to create new therapeutics. Work in this area includes:
- Tropical diseases and parasites such as:
- Tuberculous
- Dengue
- Malaria
- Chronic non-communicable diseases which are prevalent in tropical populations including:
- Diabetes
- Mental illness
- Wounds and healing
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Respiratory inflammation/allergy
- Cardiovascular disease
- Age-related diseases
- Occupational diseases related to industry in the region (e.g., mining).
Research Snapshots
Malaria: a significant adversary in the Tropics
Efforts to develop a vaccine for malaria have been stepped up as new technology opens up new possibilities for researchers. According to AITHM Deputy Director Professor Denise Doolan, faster and more sophisticated technology and equipment is allowing researchers to analyse all aspects of the parasite’s make-up, and the human body’s response to a malaria parasite invasion in a way that has not been possible before. Three different malaria vaccines are under development at AITHM, including two vaccine candidates being developed by AITHM Director, Distinguished Professor Louis Schofield.
Venom research: the place where medical and biological sciences meet
The workings and make-up of venom are analysed in depth by the structural biology team, led by Professor Norelle Daly and the
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