Ongoing projects
Assessing an artificial tick feeding system as a tool in the study of borrelia-tick interactions
Ticks, particularly the Ixodes ricinus species, transmit many pathogens, including Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., which causes Lyme borreliosis. The exact interaction mechanisms between ticks and Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. are still unclear. To better understand this, a project is being conducted using artificial tick feeding to avoid the use of laboratory animals. The project is being conducted in cooperation with Dr. Vanda Klöcklerová from the Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences in Bratislava, Slovakia.
Funded by SAIA, Aktion Österreich – Slowakei
Runtime: 03/2024 til 02/2025.
Improving the surveillance of zoonotic pathogens associated with bats in Central Europe
The project is a joint effort between the Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences in Bratislava, Slovakia, and the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Slovakia and the Medical University of Vienna, Austria. It aims to study the role of bats in the presence, prevalence, and distribution of zoonotic pathogens in Central Europe. The project will provide critical initial data to help us understand the role bats play, develop strategies to prevent the spread of zoonotic pathogens, and provide valuable information on how to protect bats.
Funded by SAIA, Aktion Österreich – Slowakei
Run time: 03/2024 til 02/2025
Immune responses to meat allergens
Alpha-gal syndrome is a type of allergy caused by an oligosaccharide (galactose-α-1,3-galactose) found in the tissues of most mammals, except for humans, old-world monkeys and apes. Consuming meat containing alpha-gal can trigger a delayed reaction, potentially leading to anaphylactic shock. Recent studies have revealed that certain tick species, such as Ixodes ricinus and Amblyomma americanum, transmit alpha-gal through their saliva. We are currently conducting research on the role of ticks in the development of this allergy with the support of the Austrian Science Funds
Funded by Fond zur Förderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung in Österreich (FWF)
PI Prof. Dr. Ines Swoboda, Fachhochschule Campus Vienna, Fachbereich Molecular Biotechnology
Co-Pi Ing. Michiel Wijnveld, PhD.
Run time: 05/2021 til 05/2025