Biography
Originally from Greece, I studied Molecular Biology and Genetics (BSc) and I was trained in Molecular Diagnostics for parasitic diseases as part of my MSc. I was inspired to pursue my research interests by working on multiple deworming interventions in countries where neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) (i.e., worm infections) are endemic, for nearly 8 years now. My PhD will focus on discovery and validation of biomarkers and infection signatures to facilitate early diagnosis of helminth infections in stool & profile disease framework based on microbiome changes, for a better understanding of host-parasite interactions. I enjoy hiking, gym training and the Mediterranean sun!
Research
1. Development of field-based Dx for helminth
2. Shotgun metagenomics for helminth characterisation
3. Microbiome signatures as indicators of infection
4. Using museuomics to understand parasite evolution
Publications
1. Papaiakovou, M., Littlewood, D. T. J., Gasser, R. B., & Anderson, R. M. (2021). How qPCR complements the WHO roadmap (2021–2030) for soil-transmitted helminths. Trends in Parasitology.
2. Papaiakovou, M., Pilotte, N., Grant, J. R., Traub, R. J., Llewellyn, S., McCarthy, J. S., ... & Williams, S. A. (2017). A novel, species-specific, real-time PCR assay for the detection of the emerging zoonotic parasite Ancylostoma ceylanicum in human stool. PLoS neglected tropical diseases, 11(7), e0005734.
3. Dunn, J. C., Papaiakovou, M., Han, K. T., Chooneea, D., Bettis, A. A., Wyine, N. Y., ... & Anderson, R. M. (2020). The increased sensitivity of qPCR in comparison to Kato-Katz is required for the accurate assessment of the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infection in settings that have received multiple rounds of mass drug administration. Parasites & Vectors, 13(1), 1-11.
