Parasites: Home and Away: Two Talks on the Tsetse Fly and the Tick

Parasites: Home and Away: Two Talks on the Tsetse Fly and the Tick
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This is a past event

Vector-borne diseases represent challenges to human health worldwide - join two speakers to learn more.

Malaria remains a scourge, along with many other insect borne infections, there are threats from new insect-borne viruses such as Zika, and a growing awareness of tick-borne diseases. Two speakers will discuss vector-borne disease, focussing on Tsetse fly and tick-transmitted infection.

African trypanosomes: Potions, Politics and DiagnosticsDr Jerry Sternberg, School of Biological Sciences, University of AberdeenAfrican trypanosomes are parasites causing disease in humans and livestock that are transmitted by tsetse fly vectors. They represent a major health and economic burden and impediment to development. In this talk I’ll discuss the treatment and control of this disease, a story that includes a toxic potion taken by David Livingstone and political intrigue in the aftermath of the First World War. I’ll then talk about research in Aberdeen that promises new rapid diagnostics for the control of this disease.

Those bloody ticks!Dr Alan Bowman, School of Biological Sciences, University of AberdeenHave you ever had a tick on you or on your dog? How do ticks remain attached for such extended periods despite our highly effective coagulation, immune and inflammatory defence systems? Can the tricks that ticks have evolved to combat these obstacles be developed into medicines? Lyme disease incidence in Scotland has increased dramatically over recent years - but what is it and how can we avoid it? This talk will shed light on these and other areas of these fascinating bloodsuckers.

Admission FREE, no booking required.

Venue
Wood Foundation Centre for Science and Technology, Robert Gordon's College, Schoolhill, Aberdeen
Contact

Owain Bristow
o.bristow@rgc.aberdeen.sch.uk