Research

Schistosomiasis:

Adult S. mansoni pairs were analyzed via AP-SMALDI MSI. We were able to see differences in metabolic constitution of male and female worms as well as individual organs of the trematodes. Based on this, we established a method to analyze imatinib-treated S. mansoni couples and Fasciola hepatica. This enables us to examine the drug uptake, distribution and metabolization in the parasites, which lays a foundation for further examinations of drug-treated parasites. Furthermore, we analyzed the parasite host interaction (S. mansoni eggs interaction with the host liver), where we found different markers which are significantly present in the granulomatous area.

Toxoplasma gondii, Besnoitia besnoiti, Cryptosporidium parvum and Neospora caninum

We established methods for the examination of apicomplexan parasite infected tissues (Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium parvum, Neospora caninum, Besnoitia besnoiti) via AP-SMALDI MSI. Here, our special interest lies in the identification of biological markers that represent the infection with these parasites.

More informations on the LOEWE Center DRUID can be found here.