Department of Parasitology

Vision

The Department of Parasitology will take a lead role in the teaching, training and research of parasitic diseases and their control.

Mission

The mission of the Department of Parasitology states four goals namely, (1) to provide education and training in all aspects of parasitic diseases and their vectors, (2)to conduct basic and applied researches in parasitic diseases and vector control, (3)to provide laboratory services in the diagnosis of parasitic diseases, and (4)to provide extension services in the planning, implementation and evaluation of parasitic disease control program.


Degree Programs

Doctor of Public Health (Parasitology)
Master of Science in Public Health
Master of Public Health - Tropical Medicine (Joint offering with the Department of Medical Microbiology)


Training Program

  1. Intensive Training Course in Diagnostic Parasitology
  2. Training Course in Insect Allergy


Researches

  • Anemia among Children in Malaria Endemic Areas
  • Awareness and Preparedness of Hospital Staff Against Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19): Global Survey
  • Development of a Cell-Based Immunoassay for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Serologic Testing
  • Development of Innovative Strategies for the Control and Prevention of Neglected Tropical Parasitic Diseases to Contribute to Universal Health Care
  • Epidemiology of Parasitic Neglected Tropical Diseases in the Province of Abra
  • Evaluation of Recombinant Schistosoma japonicum Antigen ELISA for the Detection of Schistosoma mekongi Human Infection
  • In Vivo Anti-Amoebic and Anti-Giardial Activity of Aqueous Extracts of Quassia amara (korales) and Pepperomia pellucida (ulasimang bato)
  • Intra-island Zoonotic Transmission of Schistosomiasis in Leyte, Philippines
  • Maintenance of Zoonotic Schistosomiasis in Bovine Reservoir Hosts in Endemic Municipalities in Bohol with No Reported Human Schistosome Infection
  • Malaria Prevalence Survey in Five Mindanao Provinces of Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and Davao Del Norte
  • Performance of an Innovative Auto Dissemination of Insecticides (InDAI) for Dengue Mosquito Control in the Philippines
  • Studies on Development of Control Strategy for Asian Zoonotic Schistosomiasis with Microsatellite Marker System
  • War on Worms and Water Sanitation, and Hygiene (WOW-A-WASH): Integration of helminthiasis control with water, sanitation, and hygiene in selected Haiyan-stricken areas in the Philippines
  • War on Worms, Nutrition, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WOW-N-WASH): Integrated helminthiasis control with nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene in selected areas in the Philippines
  • Zoonotic Transmission of Intestinal Parasites: Implications for Control & Elimination


Publications/Creative Works

  • Angeles JM, Mercado VP, Rivera PT. Behind enemy lines: immunomodulatory armamentarium of the schistosome parasite. Frontiers in Immunology. (2020); 11; 1018
  • Dang TMA, Angeles JM, Moendeg KJ, Macalanda AMC, Nguyen TT, Higuchi L, Nakagun S, Kirinoki M, Chigusa Y, Goto Y, Kawazu SI. Analyses of the expression, immunohistochemical properties and serodiagnostic potential of Schistosoma japonicum Peroxiredoxin-4. Parasites and Vectors. (2020); ;
  • Maramba-Lazarte CC, Rivera PT, Villacorte EA. Philippine Tsaang Gubat (Ehretia mecrophylla) and Ampalaya (Momordica charantia L) Leaf Extracts Lack Amoebicidal Activity in vitro. Acta Medica Philippina. (2020); 54 (1);
  • Matsumoto-Takahashi ELA, Rivera PT, Villacorte EA, Angluben RU, Jimba M, Kano S. Factors determining job satisfaction of malaria community microscopists in Palawan, the Philippines: a cross-sectional mixed-methods study. International Health, Oxford Academic. , https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihaa015. (2020); ;
  • Leonardo L, Varona G, Fornillos RJ, Manalo D, Tabios IK, Moendeg K, de Cadiz A, Kikuchi M, Chigusa Y, Mistica M, Hernandez L, Palasi W, Fontanilla IK. Oncomelania hupensis quadrasi: Snail intermediate host of Schistosoma japonicum in the Philippines. Acta Tropica. 210:105547. (2020); ;
  • Leonardo L, Hernandez L, Magturo TC, Palasi W, Rubite JM, de Cadiz A, Moendeg K, Fornillos RJ, Tabios IK, Mistica M, Fontanilla IK. Current status of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in the Philippines. Acta Tropica;203:105284. (2020); ;
  • Fornillos RJC, Fontanilla IKC, Chigusa Y, Kikuchi M, Kirinoki M, Kato-Hayashi N, Kawazu S, Angeles JM, Tabios IK, Moendeg KJ, Goto Y, Tamayo PG, Gampoy EF, Pates I, Chua JC, Leonardo LR. Infection rate of Schistosoma japonicum in the snail Oncomelania hupensis quadrasi in endemic villages in the Philippines: need for snail surveillance technique. Tropical Biomedicine. (2019); 36(2);
  • Macalanda AC, Angeles JM, Moendeg KJ, Dang-Trinh MA, Higuchi L, Kirinoki M, Chigusa Y, Leonardo LR, Villacorte EA, Rivera PT, Goto Y, Kawazu S. Schistosoma japonicum cathepsin B as potential diagnostic antigen for Asian zoonotic schistosomiasis. Parasitology Research. (2019); ;
  • Angeles JM. Goto Y, Kirinoki M, Lenardo LR, Moendeg, KJ, Ybanez AP, Rivera PT, Villacorte EA, Inoue N, Chigusa Y, Kawazu S. Detection of canine Schistosoma japonicum infection using recombinant thioredoxin peroxidase-1 and tandem repeat proteins. The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science. (2019); 81 (10); 1413-1418
  • Palmeirim MS, Hürlimann E, Knopp S, Speich B, Belizario VY, Joseph SA, Vaillant M, Olliaro P, Keiser J. Efficacy and safety of co-administered ivermectin plus albendazole for treating soil-transmitted helminths: A systematic review, meta-analysis and individual patient data analysis. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases . (2018); 12(4); e0006458
  • Dang TMA, Angeles JM, Moendeg KJ, Macalanda AMC, Higuchi L, Oto C, Kirinoki M, Chigusa Y, Kawazu S. Utilization of real time PCR for the assessment of egg burden in the organs of Schistosoma japonicum experimentally infected mice. Experimental Parasitology. (2018); 189; 61-65
  • Angeles JM, Leonardo LR, Goto Y, Kirinoki M, Moendeg KJ, Suganuma K, Villacorte EA, Rivera PT, Inoue N, Chigusa Y, Kawazu S. Positivity of Schistosoma japonicum eggs in dogs and water buffaloes in the Philippines and its implications to public health. Japanese Journal of Veterinary Parasitology. (2018); 17 (1); 20-24
  • Macalanda AMC, Angeles JM, Moendeg KJ, Dang TMA, Higuchi L, Inoue N, Xuan X, Kirinoki M, Chigusa Y, Leonardo LR, Villacorte EA, Rivera PT, Goto Y, Kawazu S. Evaluation of Schistosoma japonicum thioredoxin peroxidase-1 as a potential circulating antigen target for the diagnosis of Asian schistosomiasis. The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science. (2018); 80 (1); 156-163
  • Matsumoto-Takahashi, E. L. A., Tongol-Rivera, P., Villacorte, E. A., Angluben, R. U., Jimba, M., & Kano, S. Bottom-up approach to strengthen community-based malaria control strategy from community health workers’ perceptions of their past, present, and future: a qualitative study in Palawan, Philippines. Tropical Medicine and Health. (2018); 46 (1); 24
  • Belizario VY, Destura R, Gabunada RR, Petronio-Santos JA, dela Tonga A, Amarillo ML, de Veyra C . Evaluation of fecal and serological tests for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis in selected near-elimination and endemic areas in the Philippines. Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health. (2018); 49 (2); 198-207
  • Lim MD, Brooker SJ, Belizario VY, Gay-Andrieu F, Gilleard J, Levecke B, Lieshout LV, Medley GF, Mekonne Z, Mirams G, Njenga SM, Odiere MR, Rudge JW, Stuyver L, Vercruysse J, Vlaminck J, Walson JL, Annecy STH diagnostic experts group. Diagnostic tools for soil-transmitted helminths control and elimination programs: A pathway for diagnostic product development. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases . (2018); 12 (3); e0006213
  • Chernoff, E, Silverstein G, Veldkamp P, Chang J, Belizario VY, delos Trinos JPC . Soil Transmitted Helminth Infection and Factors Affecting Preventive Chemotherapy for School-Age Children in Capiz and Iloilo Provinces Post-Typhoon Haiyan. Annals of Global Health. (2017); 82 (1); 14
  • Belizario VY, delos Trinos JPC, Silawan B, De Veyra C, Hornido A, Amoguis H, Basalo D, Dema-ala C, Mantilla I, Layan R. The use of geographic information system as a tool for schistosomiasis surveillance in the province of Davao del Norte, the Philippines. Geospatial Health. (2017); 12 (2);
  • Moendeg, K. J., Angeles, J. M. M., Nakao, R., Leonardo, L. R., Fontanilla, I. K. C., Goto, Y., Kirinoki, M., Villacorte, E.A, Rivera, P.T., Inoue, N., Chigusa, Y. & Kawazu, S. Geographic strain differentiation of Schistosoma japonicum in the Philippines using microsatellite markers. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, e0005749. (2017); 11 (7);
  • Fujita R, Kuwata R, Kobayashi D, Bertuso AG, Isawa H, Sawabe K. Bustos virus, a new member of the negevirus group isolated from Mansonia mosquito in the Philippines. 10.1007/s00506-016-3068-4. Epub2016 Sept26. (2017); 162 (1); 79-88
  • Belizario VY, Bungay AA, Sia Su G, de Veyra C, and Lacuna JD. Assessment of three schistosomiasis endemic areas using Kato-katz technique and ELISA antigen and antibody tests. Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health. (2016); 47 (4); 638-650
  • Belizario VY, Ng JV, Amarillo MLE, delos Trinos JP, Reyes MR, and Fudalan O. High burden of soil-transmitted helminthiases in preschool-age children in Masbate: a decade of implementation of the integrated helminth control program in the Philippines. Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health. (2016); 47 (4); 667-679
  • Leonardo LR, Chigusa Y, Kikuchi M, Kato-Hayashi N, Kawazu SI, Angeles JM, Fontanilla IK, Tabios IK, Moendeg K, Goto Y, Fornillos RJ, Tamayo PG, Chua JC. Schistosomiasis in the Philippines: challenges and some successes in control. South East Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health. (2016); 47(4); 651-666
  • Thaenkham U, Phuphisut O, Nuamtanong S, Yoonuan T, Sa-Nguankiat S, Vonghachack Y, Belizario VY, Dung DT, Dekumyoy P, and Waikagul J. Genetic differences among Haplorchis taichui populations in Indochina revealed by mitochondrial COX1 sequences. Journal of Helminthology. (2016); ;
  • Belizario VY, delos Trinos JP, Garcia NB, and Reyes MR . Cutaneous manifestations of selected parasitic infections in Western Pacific and Southeast Asian Regions. Current Infectious Disease Reports. (2016); 18; 30
  • Belleza, M. L. B., Reyes, J. C. B., Tongol-Rivera, P. N., & Rivera, W. L. Subtype analysis of Blastocystis sp. isolates from human and canine hosts in an urban community in the Philippines. Parasitology international. (2016); 65 (3); 291-294
  • Belleza MLB, Reyes JCB, Tongol-Rivera PN, Rivera WL. Subtype analysis of Blastocystis sp. isolates from human and canine hosts in an urban community in the Philippines. Parasitology international. (2016); 65(3); 291-294
  • Belizario, VY, Jorge, MC, Ng, JV, Mistica, MS, Lam, HY, Rivera, LJJ, Anino, MRC, Delos Trinos, JPCR. A Model for Integrating Paragonimiasis Surveillance and Control of Tuberculosis Control Program. Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health. (2016); 47 (4); 625-638
  • Cruz, C. J. G., Labreque, M., Goh, M. C., & Rivera, P. T. APDS (Automated Parasite Detection System) for field malaria diagnosis in the Philippines. Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health. (2016); 47(4); 600-606
  • Adao DEV, dela Serna AO, Belleza MLB, Bolo NR, Rivera WL. Subtype analysis of Blastocystis sp. isolates from asymptomatic individuals in an urban community in the Philippines. Annals of Parasitology. (2016); 62(3); 193-200
  • De Las Llagas, LA, Bersales, LGS, Bertuso, AG, Mistica, MS, Ocampo, VR, Samaniego, JB, Magsino, EA, and Alzona, FD. Mosquito Larvicidal Trap (MLT) as Surveillance and Control Tool for Aedes mosquitoes. Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health. (2016); 47 (4); 701-711
  • Sia Su, GL, Carillo, N, Pera, D, Sison, S, Tanalgo, B, Sia Su, ML, and Mistica, M. Parasitic Infestation in Cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) Obtained in Selected Areas of Metro Manila. International Journal of Tropical Disease and Health. (2016); 13 (4); 1-4
  • Fonzi E, Higa Y, Bertuso AG, Futami K, Sunahara T, Kawasima E, Minakawa N. and Minakawa N. Human-mediated marine dispersal influences the population structure of Aedes aegypti in the Philippine archipelago. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. (2015); 9 (6); 1-16 e0003829
  • Moendeg KJ, Angeles JM, Goto Y, Leonardo LR, Kirinoki M, Villacorte EA, Rivera PT, Inoue N, Chigusa Y, Kawazu S. Development and optimization of cocktail-ELISA for a unified surveillance of zoonotic schistosomiasis in multiple host species. Parasitology Research. (2015); 114(3); 1225-8
  • Angeles JM, Leonardo LR, Goto Y, Kirinoki M, Villacorte EA, Hakimi H, Moendeg KJ, Lee S, Rivera PT, Inoue N, Chigusa Y, Kawazu S. Water buffaloes as sentinel animals for the surveillance of zoonotic schistosomiasis. Bulletin of the World Health Organization. (2015); 93(7); 511-512
  • Hakimi H, Goto Y, Suganuma K, Angeles JM, Kawai S, Inoue N, Kawazu S. Development of monoclonal antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum thioredoxin peroxidase 1 and its possible application for malaria diagnosis. Experimental Parasitology. (2015); 154; 62-66
  • Belizario VY, Totañes FIG, Lumampao YC, Naig JA. Improving Current Helminth Control Strategies: Lessons from a Baseline Prevalence Survey of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections in Adolescent Females and Pregnant Women in Selected Local Government Units in the Philippines. . (2015); ;
  • Belizario VY, Totanes FIG, Martinez RM, de Leon WU, Far ML. Schistosomiasis and other Intestinal Helminthiasis Among Preschool Children in Agusan del Sur, Philippines. Philippine Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. (2015); 44 (1); 4-13
  • Usui M, Masuda-Suganuma H, Fukumoto S, Angeles JM, Hakimi H, Inoue N, Kawazu S. Effect of thioredoxin peroxidase-1 gene disruption on the liver stages of the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei. Parasitology International. (2015); 64(3); 290-294
  • Tiangha GH, Anosa EA, Pagalan P, Carbonilla E, Perez CP, Belizario VY. Soil-transmitted Helminth and Schistosome Infectious in Indigenous People in Selected Communities in Agusan del Sur: Implications for Policy and Action. Philippine Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. (2015); 44 (1); 14-22
  • Kato-Hayashi N, Leonardo LR, Arevalo NL, Tagum MNB, Apin J, Agsolid L, Chua JC, Villacorte EA, Kirinoki M, Kikuchi M, Ohmae H, Haruki K, Chigusa Y. Detection of active schistosome infection by cell-free circulating DNA of Schistosoma japonicum in highly endemic areas in Sorsogon Province, the Philippines. Acta Tropica. (2015); ; 146-149
  • Belizario VY, Totanes FIG, Sarmiento RR, de Leon WU, Ciro RN. Monitoring School-Based Control of Intestinal Helminthiasis in Selected School Districts in Cavite Province, Philippines.. Philippine Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. (2015); 44 (1); 23-32
  • Belizario VY, Marfori JR, Chua PL, Naig JR, Erfe JM . School-based combined mass drug administration for soil-transmitted helminthiases and schistosomiasis among school-age children: lessons from two co endemic areas in the Philippines. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease. (2015); 5 (5); 358-362
  • Belizario VY, Erfe JM, Naig JRA, Chua PLC . Evidence of increasing risk of schistosomiasis among school-age children in the Municipality of Calatrava, Province of Negros Occidental, Philippines. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine. (2015); 8 (5); 373-377
  • Agoncillo AR, Coronacion KAEB, Dagdag JTT, Matira MSC, Pamintuan NKE, Soriano CSM, Salamat MSS, Saniel OP, and Rivera PT. Factors Associated with Non-Compliance with Anti-Malarial Treatment among Malaria Patients in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Acta Medica. (2015); ;
  • Belleza MLB, Cadacio JLC, Borja MP, Solon JAA, Padilla MA, Tongol-Rivera PN, Rivera WL. Epidemiologic Study of Blastocystis Infection in an Urban Community in the Philippines. Journal of Environmental and Public Health. (2015); ;
  • Belizario VY, Liwanag HJC, Naig JRA, Chua PLC, Madamba MI, Dahildahil RO . Parasitological and nutritional status of school-age and preschool-age children in four villages in Southern Leyte, Philippines: Lessons for monitoring the outcome of Community-Led Total Sanitation. Acta Tropica. (2015); 141; 16-24
  • Soares Magalhães RJ, Salamat MS, Leonardo L, Gray DS, Carabin H, Halton K, McManus DP, Williams GP, Rivera P, Saniel O, Hernandez L, Yakob L, McGarvey ST and Clements ACA. Mapping the Risk of Soil-transmitted Helminthic Infections in the Philippines. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases 2015; C0003915. (2015); 9(9);
  • Matsumoto-Takahashi ELA, Rivera PT, Villacorte EA, Angluben RU, Jimba M and Kano S. Patient Knowledge on Malaria Symptoms Is a Key to Promoting Universal Access of Patients to Effective Malaria Treatment in Palawan, the Philippines. PLOS/One. (2015); ;
  • Sasaki T, Higa Y, Bertuso AG, Isawa H, Takasaki T, and Minakawa N. Susceptibility of of indigenous and transplanted mosquito spp. to dengue virus in Japan. Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases. (2015); 21 (3); 517-520
  • Belleza MLB, Cadacio JLC, Borja MP, Solon JAA, Padilla MA, Rivera PT and Rivera W. Epidemiologic Study of Blastocystis Infection in an Urban Community in the Philippines. Journal of Environmental and Public Health . (2015); ;
  • Moendeg KJ, Angeles JM, Leonardo LR, Goto Y, Kirinoki M, Villacorte EA, Rivera PT, Inoue N, Chigusa Y, Kawazu S. Development and optimization of cocktail-ELISA for a unified diagnosis of zoonotic schistosomiasis in multiple host species. Parasitology Research. (2014); 114(3); 1225-1228