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Sichuan University

Sichuan University

3 Projects, page 1 of 1
  • Funder: Wellcome Trust Project Code: 94325
    Funder Contribution: 462,630 GBP

    Human echinococcosis is a neglected zoonotic disease which is highly endemic in western China and Central Asia. On the Tibetan Plateau ecosystem uniquely 3 species of the parasite are endemic in wildlife and/or domestic mammals, with E.granulosus and E.multilocularis causing a serious public health problem of cystic (CE) and alveolar (AE) echinococcosis amongst Tibetan pastoralists. E.shiquicus has also been described in Tibetan wildlife populations but host specificity and zoonotic potential ar e unknown. Understanding the role of dogs in transmission of Echinococcus spp, and in particular E.multilocularis, is a key objective. This will be investigated by measuring natural reinfection rates in dogs using novel coprotests, and modelling the infection pressure to assess relative importance of wildlife (involves foxes) or sustainable peri- domestic cycles (involving dogs). In parallel genotypic analysis will be undertaken to identify dominant parasite haplotypes infecting domestic and wild canid hosts. A co-endemic site in Kyrgystan with high rates of human CE will be used as a non-Tibetan comparison. Importantly the project will assess the impact of dog dosing interventions on the frequency of canine and human echinococcosis and help to predict outcome of current and future control strategies in Tibetan and other CE/AE co-endemic communities in Asia. Human echinococcosis or hydatidosis is a neglected chronic debilitating and potentially fatal parasitic disease that causes cysts or tumour-like lesions in the human liver. It is contracted from dogs or foxes which harbour the gut stage adult tapeworm. On the Tibetan Plateau three types of the Echinococcus parasite occur in wildlife and/or domestic mammals, with E.granulosus and E.multilocularis causing a serious public health problem of cystic (CE) and alveolar (AE) echinococcosis amongst Tibet an herders. A third species E.shiquicus has been described in wildlife populations only. Understanding the role of dogs (and foxes) in transmission of E.multilocularis is a key objective to be investigated by undertaking natural reinfection studies in owned dogs using non-invasive lab based tests for faecal samples. Identification of the dominant parasite strains involved will be investigated. Importantly the project will assess the impact of ongoing interventions on the frequency of canine and human echinococcosis and help to predict outcome of current and future control strategies in Tibetan and other CE/AE co-endemic communities in Asia.

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  • Funder: Wellcome Trust Project Code: 070143
    Funder Contribution: 13,500 GBP

    Qualitative and quantitative molecular genetic analysis of Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and Proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) genes in schizophrenia and related traits in a Chinese population This project aims to investigate an important resource for schizophrenia research, a sample of families with the illness including DNA and detailed clinical and neuropsychological information. 1. To attempt to replicate genetic association with schizophrenia and the Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and Proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) genes. 2. To use neuropsychological measures of cognitive abilities as endophenotypes in order to replicate association between COMT allele and performance of the Wisconsin Card Sorting test, and to further refine and understand these genetic associations.

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  • Funder: Wellcome Trust Project Code: 094325
    Funder Contribution: 462,630 GBP

    Human echinococcosis is a neglected zoonotic disease which is highly endemic in western China and Central Asia. On the Tibetan Plateau ecosystem uniquely 3 species of the parasite are endemic in wildlife and/or domestic mammals, with E.granulosus and E.multilocularis causing a serious public health problem of cystic (CE) and alveolar (AE) echinococcosis amongst Tibetan pastoralists. E.shiquicus has also been described in Tibetan wildlife populations but host specificity and zoonotic potential ar e unknown. Understanding the role of dogs in transmission of Echinococcus spp, and in particular E.multilocularis, is a key objective. This will be investigated by measuring natural reinfection rates in dogs using novel coprotests, and modelling the infection pressure to assess relative importance of wildlife (involves foxes) or sustainable peri-domestic cycles (involving dogs). In parallel genotypic analysis will be undertaken to identify dominant parasite haplotypes infecting domestic and wild canid hosts. A co-endemic site in Kyrgystan with high rates of human CE will be used as a non-Tibetan comparison. Importantly the project will assess the impact of dog dosing interventions on the frequency of canine and human echinococcosis and help to predict outcome of current and future control strategies in Tibetan and other CE/AE co-endemic communities in Asia.

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