DrLucas Huggins

My research is centred on the development and deployment of advanced molecular diagnostic methods to identify and control pathogens of humans and animals, with an additional focus on diseases that are spread between them, i.e. are zoonotic. The overarching aim of my work is to use these cutting-edge technologies to aid progress in achieving the World Health Organisation’s goals for the eradication of polio as well as in the control and elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases caused by pathogens and parasites. Specifically, I have developed methods that have be used for the detection and control of diseases caused by vector-borne pathogen e.g. lymphatic filariasis and leishmaniasis as well as enteric disease caused by soil-transmitted helminthiases. The development of these diagnostic tools has allowed me to assess parasite transmission dynamics between animals and humans, identify new parasite species, and evaluate the efficacy of anti-parasite products in the Asia-Pacific in collaboration with industry, philanthropic and government partners.