Roger K. Prichard, McGill University
Institute of Parasitology
Professor
Montreal, Quebec
roger.prichard@mcgill.ca
Office:
(514) 398-7961
Expert In
Bio/Research
Our group is determining the molecular pharmacology and genetics of resistance to antiparasitic drugs. Resistance has become a major problem for control programs in a number of parasitic diseases. We are focusing on possible resistance development to macrocyclic lactone, benzimidazole and other d...
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Bio/Research
Our group is determining the molecular pharmacology and genetics of resistance to antiparasitic drugs. Resistance has become a major problem for control programs in a number of parasitic diseases. We are focusing on possible resistance development to macrocyclic lactone, benzimidazole and other drugs which are used for the control of human filarial diseases such as onchocerciasis (ivermectin), and lymphatic filariasis (albendazole, ivermectin and diethylcarbamazole), and on resistance to avermectins (e.g. ivermectin, abamectin, doramectin, etc.) and milbemycins (moxidectin) in veterinary nematode parasites such as Haemonchus contortus and Cooperia oncophora. In these different drug/parasite systems a number of genes have been identified as being associated with selection for anthelmintic resistance. Specific mutations have been identified in these genes and the effects of these mutations on the functioning of the gene products are being determined. This information is allowing us to develop DNA based probes for resistance associated mutations which can be used to determine the frequency of resistance mutations in parasite populations and to participate in epidemiological studies in the field. We collaborate with a number of laboratories in developing countries and international organizations for the studies on parasitic organisms of humans and with international laboratories and companies for the veterinary parasitic investigations. The research involves laboratory molecular biology studies and field work on control and epidemiology.
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