News

Effect modification of HIV-associated CNS diseases by parasitic zoonoses in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

12/18/09

• Tapeworm infections afflict mostly humans living in developing countries. One tapeworm (Taenia solium), which is transmitted between humans and pigs can, in some cases, cause brain disorders and this condition is called neurocysticercosis. To study this disease, a two-year pilot grant was awarded from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Fogarty International Center in 2009 to the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (NIH-FIC grant # 1 R21 TW008434). The project is entitled: ”Effect modification of HIV-associated CNS diseases by parasitic zoonoses in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa." This international collaboration includes many organizations. The principal investigator is H Carabin at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC). Co-investigators are L Cowan (OUHSC), H Foyaca-Sibat, L de Fatima Ibanez-Valdes, I Targonska, MA Anwary, P Yogeswaran (Walter Sisulu University), and S Korsman (Nelson Mandela Tertiary Laboratory). Consultants include: RC Krecek (Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine), P Wilkins (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA), and P Dorny (Institute of Tropical Medicine in Belgium). The study will examine the interaction between HIV-AIDS infection and parasitic diseases including neurocysticercosis and toxocariasis in HIV-AIDS patients. For further information please contact Dr. Rosina Krecek at tkrecek@rossvet.edu.kn

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• Members of the research team visiting a hospital in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa (photo courtesy of Dr. Rosina Krecek).