Research
Wolbachia and filarial nematodes
My primary research interest is the symbiosis between filarial nematode worms and their bacterial endosymbionts (Wolbachia). Filariae are responsible for two major tropical diseases, onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis, and Wolbachia have become the focus of intense efforts to identify a new chemotherapeutic strategy for filarial diseases. Wolbachia also impact significantly on the immune response to filarial worms. I also have a longstanding interest in the development of protective immunity in onchocerciasis (especially using the cattle model, Onchocerca ochengi) and am co-director of The Onchocerciasis Vaccine for Africa Initiative, TOVA. [https://www.riverblindnessvaccinetova.org/].(https://www.riverblindnessvaccinetova.org/).
Acarine vectors (ticks and mites) and their symbionts
Since 2017, I have been principal investigator of a BBSRC-funded resource, the Tick Cell Biobank https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/infection-and-global-health/research/tick-cell-biobank/, which is the world's largest collection of arthropod cell lines. This is managed by Dr Lesley Bell-Sakyi. I am involved in several collaborative projects worldwide on tick- and mite-borne diseases, especially scrub typhus and anaplasmosis, and am investigating the relationship between bacterial pathogens and symbionts in ticks and chigger mites.
Research grants
Using Infrared Spectroscopy and AI to Diagnose and Quantify Onchocerca volvulus in Blackflies
BILL & MELINDA GATES FOUNDATION (USA)
November 2021 - November 2024
Insect cell culture systems to explore the symbiont-sex determination system interface.
BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH COUNCIL
February 2024 - July 2025
The Tick Cell Biobank: arthropod vector cell lines for human and animal health
WELLCOME TRUST (UK)
January 2022 - December 2026
Identification, evaluation and alleviation of the threat of vector-borne rickettsia agents to human health in Malaysia in the context of changing climate and socio-economic development
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY AND INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY (BEIS) (UK)
April 2018 - March 2020
Detection and characterization of environmental strains of Mycobacterium ulcerans from the South West region of Cameroon
MEDICAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION (UK)
July 2017 - September 2018
Rapid diagnosis of onchocerciasis using urinary biomarkers
MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL
March 2017 - March 2019
The Tick Cell Biobank: outposts in Asia, Africa and South America
BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH COUNCIL
July 2017 - June 2021
The development of a recombinant vaccine against human onchocerciasis
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (USA)
March 2017 - February 2024
The Tick Cell Biobank - a UK and international biological resource
BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH COUNCIL
July 2017 - March 2023
Macrofilaricidal drug evaluation against Onchocerca ochengi in cattle
BAYER UK LTD (UK)
February 2017 - June 2019
Bench fees for SAMIA QASEM OUDAH ALGHAMDI
ROYAL EMBASSY OF SAUDI ARABIA
November 2015 - December 2018
Rapid and high-throughput diagnosis of Onchocerca volvulus infections
BILL & MELINDA GATES FOUNDATION (USA)
November 2013 - December 2015
Sustainable Control of Onchocerciasis Today and Tomorrow - SCOOTT
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
August 2008 - October 2010
Alaa Mohammed Abdul Razak Al-Khafaji - Bench Fees
REPUBLIC OF IRAQ MINISTRY OF EDUCATION🚩
October 2014 - September 2017