DEPARTMENT OF PARASITOLOGY

The department carries out basic studies on virulence mechanisms of parasites, unique metabolic and cellular mechanisms to develop new drugs and vaccines. We also conduct a wide range of applied researches to establish epidemiological, molecular epidemiological, diagnostic, and preventive measures against infections caused by protozoan and helminthic parasites. We also receive clinical samples for diagnosis and consultations on diagnosis, prevention, and treat-ment. We are engaged in research collaborations with various institutes and universities worldwide.

LABORATORY OF PROTISTS

The laboratory studies on protozoan pathogens causing water- and food-borne intestinal infections, including Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, and Cryptosporidia. The laboratory also works on other protozoan infections by free-living Acanthamoeba and Balamuthia that cause keratitis and encephalitis and by Toxoplasma gondii which causes retinochoroiditis and encephalitis in fetuses and immunocompromised hosts.

LABORATORY OF HELMINTHES

The laboratory conducts researches to develop molecular and serological diagnostic methods and carries out epidemiological studies on food-borne and zoonotic helminthiases including anisakiasis, paragonimiasis, diphyllobothiriasis, taeniasis/cysticercosis, echinococcosis, and toxocariasis. We also receive clinical specimens for diagnosis and classif ication from hospitals and institutions.

LABORATORY OF IMPORTED PARASITIC DISEASES

The laboratory works on identif ication and characterization of unique molecular, cellular, biochemical, and immunological events caused by Plasmodium, Trypanosoma and Entamoeba for future new drugs and vaccines development. We also receive consultations on diagnosis/treatment of these infections from hospitals, universities and quarantine centers. We are engaged in research collaborations with various research groups in both domestic and worldwide.

DEPARTMENT OF VIROLOGY I Contents (Coming Soon)