Haemoprotozoan pathogens infect many millions of humans leading to hundreds of thousands of deaths. Treatment options are poor with no human vaccines or prophylaxis available. They also infect a vast range of mammalian hosts making them pathogens of both human and veterinary importance. Currently there are no members of any of these pathogenic groups that cause human disease in humans endemic to Australia. However, the ancestors of these parasites predate the isolation of Australia and related pathogens are indigenous to this continent. Studies have highlighted major concerns related to the presence of these haemoprotozoan pathogens. Firstly, while these are natural parasites of marsupials, there is accumulating evidence that the host pathogen interaction has been effected by human behavior, leading to an increased virulence resulting in the decline of many already endangered marsupial species. Secondly, the presence of competent vectors suggests the exotic human pathogenic species could become permanently established in Australia. Evidence suggests that marsupials are very susceptible to these related exotic parasites raising the prospect of rapid declines or even extinctions of native fauna species.
This presentation will showcase current research and discuss the possible implications these novel pathogens have on human and animal health.