Welcome to the Massey University Protozoa Research Unit

Welcome to the Protozoa Research Unit (PRI) at the Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory (mEpiLab), Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University. We applied research that directly contributes to decreasing the burden of disease of pathogens parasites in New Zealand, such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia, through environmental surveillance and molecular genotyping. Our research is funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Health.

For water testing and related services, please navigate to the MicroAquatech website. Micro Aqua Tech is based at Massey University campus in Palmerston North and is a long-established service provider of Cryptosporidium and Giardia testing in drinking and environmental waters. We are a commercial unit of Massey University and located within state-of-the-art facilities to provide a rapid and reliable testing service for our clients. Our laboratory operates under the direction of Professor David Hayman and is managed by Anthony Pita, who brings extensive laboratory expertise to this important area of water quality assessment.

COVID-19 control measures alter transmission patterns of Cryptosporidium hominis in New Zealand

COVID-19 Control Measures

COVID-19 nonpharmaceutical interventions have been effective control measures for a range of respiratory illnesses throughout the world. These measures, which include isolation, strict border controls, social distancing and improved hygiene also have effects on other human pathogens, including parasitic diseases of the gut such as cryptosporidiosis.

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Improved Methods for Purifying Giardia

Paul Ogbuigwe

Giardia is a protozoan parasite that causes gastroenteritis in all classes of vertebrates and affects approximately 280 million people worldwide annually. Giardia is difficult to manipulate in in vitro environments, which hampers the development of effective disease management strategies.

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Paul Ogbuigwe awarded grant from Massey University Postgraduate Research Fund

Paul Ogbuigwe applied for and was awarded a grant from the Massey University postgraduate research fund in support of his PhD project looking at the role of protozoan genetic diversity in outbreaks in New Zealand. This grant will go towards the development of a flow cytometric assay for the assessment of the pathogenicity of Cryptosporidium isolates and genotypes.

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