Genetic Basis of Praziquantel Resistance
Principal Investigator(s)
Anderson, Timothy J. C.
Collaborating Institutions
UTHSCSA
Kenya Medical Research Institute
Ministry of Health-Kampala Uganda
Funded by
NIH-PMS
Research Start Date
Status
Active
Treatment with a monotherapy (praziquantel (PZQ)) is the basis for control of parasite flukes in the genus Schistosoma, but imposes strong selection for resistance in the parasite population. This project will identify genes underlying PZQ resistance in parasites selected in the laboratory and in parasites that survive PZQ treatment in patients in order to (i) provide genetic markers for monitoring resistance evolution in the treatment programs and (ii) better understand the mode of action and mechanism of resistance.