Project

Alveolar echinococcosis is a serious zoonosis, rare in occurrence but with a significant societal impact in our region where the disease is endemic. Involving wild and domestic animals, and accidentally humans in a particular environment, the study of this pathology is part of a “One Health” context, where complex underlying interactions lead to the transmission of the parasite. The mechanisms of parasite survival in the host are poorly understood, and multiple forms and clinical presentations have been described in humans. Decoding the parasite’s genome as a predictive tool for the outcome of an echinococcosis diagnosis is an innovative and integral approach, as genetic data is available but still underutilized. The aim of this project is to improve patient care by identifying biological indicators that predict the progression of the disease. The project aims to detect and classify specific genotypes in the E. multilocularis parasite, particularly those associated with atypical clinical forms or with favorable or unfavorable progression under antiparasitic treatment. Studying the genetic diversity of the parasite through extensive exploration of its genome will provide a better understanding of the role of polymorphism in a pathogen’s success in infestation and lead to personalized patient care.