Loa loa: Latest Advances in Loiasis Research

lt;p>Jean Paul Akue, PhD, holds a MSc in Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Immunology/Molecular Biology option, from the LSTM (Univ. of Liverpool). He has been a Visiting Scientist at CDC, Parasitic Disease Branch, USA, and a Wellcome Trust's International Fellow at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. For more than 20 years, he has carried out research on host parasite relationship in Loa loa infection either at CIRMF, in an international Network (INCO DC filarial), or as PI in a Wellcome Trust founded grant. Currently, he is Group Leader at CIRMF for research on Neglected Parasites, including zoonotic species like Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora, and Sarcocystis besides Loa loa. J.P. Akue was also a PI in the AfriqueOne consortium which gathers 15 African and European universities working on zoonoses under the concept of One Health. He has supervised several doctorats and masters. His scientific record includes more than 43 papers, 4 chapters in books, and over 50 communications at international meetings.

The history of the Loa loa parasite, its biology and experimental models.- Epidemiology and Public health importance.- The role of human host and parasite genetics in the outcome of loiasis.- Loiasis disease typical and atypical clinical manifestations, burden and local aspects of the disease.- Clinical aspects: Treatment of simple and complicated forms of loiasis.- Diagnosis of Loa loa: from blood identification to innovative approaches.- Immune mechanism in loiasis and interactions with other infections.- The Loa loa genome and potential immunological and therapeutic molecular targets with medicinal plants.