Corinne Lafrance-Girard
![]() |
Characterization of the risk associated with Toxoplasma in beef, pig and sheep in Quebec "You are a veterinarian, you must be an animal freak!", I was often told. Indeed, the animal kingdom is a real fascination to me, but I also deeply respect and esteem the human race. Our complex interaction with nature particularly interests me. Some pathogens transmitted from animals to humans are well known and monitored, while other remains mysterious. Among these, Toxoplasma gondii, a microscopic, secretive, yet redoubtable parasite, seems to give a hard time to anyone trying to observe it in the wild. In Canada, we know very little about the presence of this parasite in our food. I am working to characterize the risk of human toxoplasmosis acquired by meat consumption in Canada. My main motivation remains the quest for global health on our beautiful planet, and I have the chance to occupy a unique position to contribute. Read more |
Masters in veterinary science, |
Supervisor: Sylvain Quessy Co-supervisors: Julie Arsenault and Manon Racicot |
Academic Background : veterinary medicine diploma (2014) |
Awards:
- 2016 : Bourse d’excellence d'études supérieures de la Cité de la biotechnologie agroalimentaire, vétérinaire et agroenvironnementale de Saint-Hyacinthe
- 2015 : Bourse de mobilité de la Maison Internationale pour un court séjour de recherche à l’étranger
- 2015 : Bourse d’excellence J.A de Sève, concours des bourses d’excellence de la FESP
- 2014 : Bourse d’excellence d’admission à la maîtrise
Scientific publications:
Scientific articles
Published abstracts (conference proceedings)
- Lafrance-Girard C., M. Opsteegh, A. Thibodeau, J. Arsenault, S. Quessy. Detection and quantification of DNA from Toxoplasma gondii in pork, beef and lamb meat at retail in Canada using magnetic capture DNA extraction and qPCR. 16th Annual Quebec Molecular Parasitology Symposium - CHPI (Center for Host-Parasite Interactions). Université McGill, Montréal. 6-7 juin 2016.
Posters
- Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pork and lamb meat at retail in Canada using a commercial ELISA kit
Lafrance-Girard C., M. Opsteegh, A. Thibodeau, J. Arsenault, S. Quessy. 16th Annual Quebec Molecular Parasitology Symposium - CHPI (Center for Host-Parasite Interactions). 6-7 juin 2016. Université McGill, Montréal, Canada - 25th International ICFMH Conference-FoodMicro 2016, University College Dublin, Ireland (Juillet 2016)