Research Activities
Ongoing Research
The NIAID research on parasitic infections is targeted at developing a better understanding of the pathogenesis of infections, and developing more effective prevention approaches, diagnostics and treatments for them. Major areas of research include:
Diagnosis
New technologies are being applied to develop cost effective, sensitive and specific diagnostics, applicable to field situations in the tropics, to test for disease pathology, infectious agents, and response to drugs and vaccines. Such tests allow for determination of disease epidemiology as well as for identifying the risk of disease. Improved diagnostics are also being developed for detecting drug resistant pathogens to improve treatment regimens and to inform national and regional control policies.
Drug Discovery and Development
Basic biochemical and molecular studies are being carried out to identify enzymes, metabolic pathways and structures in pathogens that are targets for intervention. Funding of genome initiatives and databases has also expanded the number of chemotherapeutic and vaccine targets. Studies are also conducted to determine the mode of action of existing drugs and the mechanisms of drug resistance. Further development requires studies in animal models and in field and clinic settings to assess efficacy and safety.
Immunological Intervention
Basic and applied studies are being undertaken to identify the role of the host’s immune response in protection and disease. Such studies provide the foundation for developing vaccines that protect the individual from infection and disease as well as for the design of intervention strategies that block immunopathological processes. Moreover, these studies have wider applicability as parasite systems have served as important models for the role of immune cells and factors in other diseases.
Vectors
Basic and applied research on the arthropod vectors and their interactions with pathogens and humans are underway to develop tools for the interruption of pathogen transmission to humans. Specific emphasis is being placed on vector ecology, the pathogen-vector interaction, population genetics, and on genetic and genomic studies. The research seeks to develop novel, environmentally sound insect control strategies.
Intramural Labs
The NIAID Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases conducts basic and applied research on the prevention, control, and treatment of a variety of parasitic and bacterial diseases of global importance.
Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases (LPD)
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