Dr Poppy Lamberton

The main focus of my research is utilising field epidemiological data, laboratory experiments and population genetics to understand population structure, transmission dynamics and effects of long term mass drug administration programmes on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) such as schistosomiasis and onchocerciasis.

Onchocerciasis

I am a Research Associate in the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology working with Prof. Maria-Gloria Basáñez. I work on a Wellcome Trust funded project investigating the effect of ‘Density-dependent host choice by onchocerciasis vectors’.  With the World Health Organization (WHO) identifying some vector borne diseases (VBDs) as potentially eliminable / eradicable (e.g., onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis), it is timely to evaluate whether current transmission dynamics and control models for such diseases will usefully guide intervention programmes towards their projected endpoints. In order to attain their goals, interventions may have to implement vector control in addition to drug treatment. Our key aims are to quantify the effects that vector and host densities may have on vector host choice as measured by the proportion of human bloodmeals in transmission models of VBDs using field, laboratory, and theoretical approaches that will enhance understanding of VBD transmission dynamics.

Human onchocerciasis, commonly known as River Blindness is endemic in 34 countries, despite some control efforts now spanning into their fourth decade. My research activities currently involve extensive epidemiological field data and sample collection from five regions of Ghana and novel molecular techniques for the identification of the vector species, parasite infection and previous host bloodmeal species.  We are using these data to help us understand density-dependent processes involved in the transmission dynamics of Onchocerca volvulus with the results being used to parameterise mathematical models of onchocerciasis transmission and control. These models will then inform us on the relative merits of complementing antiparasitic strategies with vector control and/or manipulation of alternative hosts abundance (zooprophylaxis).

Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis, also known as Bilharzia, is a chronic, debilitating disease second only to malaria among human parasites in its socio-economic and public health importance.   Over 206 million people are infected, of whom 97% live in Africa.  The Schistosomiasis Control Initiative (SCI) was established in 2002 and capitalizing on Uganda’s already detailed national surveys, rolled out its first large-scale praziquantel (PZQ) treatment programme there in 2003. 

My PhD research focused on the effect of PZQ on Schistosoma mansoni in natural and experimental settings in Uganda, starting in Oct 2003.   I was supervised by Prof. Joanne P. Webster and Prof. Sir Roy M. Anderson and completed my PhD entitled ‘Adaptation and evolution of Schistosoma mansoni in response to chemotherapeutic pressures’ in 2007.  Costs associated with PZQ-resistance were identified and parasite genetic and phenotypic variation in response to chemotherapy observed. After my PhD I carried out multi-locus genotyping on S. mansoni miracidia from Uganda, to analyse parasite diversity, heterozygosity and population structure and how they alter over time with PZQ exposure.  Early research carried out during my PhD, contributed to the paper ‘Development and application of an ethically and epidemiologically advantageous assay for the multi-locus microsatellite analysis of Schistosoma mansoni’ which was awarded the 2007 parliamentary 3R’s prize for the replacement, refinement and reduction of animals in research.

Background

Before starting my PhD at Imperial College London I worked as a research assistant with Prof. Joanne P. Webster at the Zoology Department of The University of Oxford, investigating the influence of anti-psychotic drugs on Toxoplasma gondii’s ability to alter its’ rodent hosts behaviour.  Prior to this I completed my Biological Sciences undergraduate degree at Pembroke College, University of Oxford in 2002.

I have a keen interest in public outreach and have recently taken part in Science Uncovered, Natural History Museum, London (Sept 2011) as well as giving talks to at secondary schools.

Teaching

I co-supervise a PhD student Ms Maya Kaushik whose thesis is entitled ‘The effect of parasites on host behaviour: studies on epidemiology, evolution and mechanisms of action’.  Our research primarily focuses on the parasite Toxoplasma gondii and the role of dopamine and/or therapeutic treatment on the parasites ability to affect host behaviour.

I lecture on the MSC in Modern Epidemiology run by the School of Public Health and the Biology BSc module in Epidemiology run by the Department of Life Sciences. I also lecture on Imperial College’s short course, Introduction to Mathematical Models of the Epidemiology & Control of Infectious Diseases, a highly successful intensive 2 week course aimed at public health professionals, policy-makers and researchers.