A new series on vector-borne canine parasites

In April 2011, leading experts in the field of canine parasitic infections gathered to present and discuss their research at the 6th Symposium of Canine Vector-borne Diseases (CVBD). Parasites & Vectors has published a series of articles from delegates of the Symposium, highlighting and discussing the latest findings in the field.

The articles in the series explore various aspects of canine parasitic diseases, including the continued spread of some parasitic diseases e.g. tick-borne encephalitis virus;  research into possible therapeutic targets and the development of diagnostic tools. There is also evidence to show that, in some cases, canines have evolved mechanisms to resist parasitic invasion. For example, Barend Penzhorn reviews how dogs descended from wild African canids have evolved some degree of resistance or tolerance to the protozoans that cause babesiosis – a disease that can cause malaria-like symptoms.

Research into zoonotic parasitic disease is important for, and can be translated to, human medicine, as promoted by the ‘One Health’ concept. This is addressed in a  review of the five most significant parasitic infections that infect humans and dogs.  

Talks from the meeting and further information about the symposium can be viewed on the CVBD website.

Srimathy Sriskantharajah

Srimathy Sriskantharajah completed a BSc in Microbiology (UCL) and a PhD in environmental microbiology/ atmospheric chemistry (Royal Holloway University of London) before joining BioMed Central. Srimathy blogs about microbiology, infectious diseases and the environment amongst other things.

Srimathy is the Executive Publisher for Parasites & Vectors, Malaria Journal and other microbiology/ infectious diseases journals at BioMed Central.
Srimathy Sriskantharajah

View the latest posts on the On Biology homepage

Comments