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Molekulare Parasitologie

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Research Topic

Acanthamoeba infections, amoebae as hosts for bacteria, vector-borne parasites,
molecular phylogeny.

The research unit Molecular Parasitology aims to understand the interactions between protozoan parasites and their hosts at the molecular level.

Our major research focus lies on the pathomechanisms of Acanthamoeba infections. We are interested in Acanthamoeba virulence factors and cell-cell communication and want to elucidate the triggers for pathogenicity in this facultative pathogen. Also, we aim to understand the Acanthamoeba encystment process, as the cysts account for the ubiquity, resilience and drug-resistance of these microorganisms. Finally, we have been investigating the role of amoebae as vehicles for bacteria and other microorganisms.

A second focus of our work lies on vector-borne protozoan pathogens, particularly on sandflies and Leishmania species.

Apart from our research work, we are involved in routine diagnostics of parasitic infections.


Leitung

©Peter Provaznik

Univ.-Prof.in Mag. Dr.in Julia Walochnik


Team

Andrea Figuer Rubio, PhD

Research Fellowship

Iveta Häfeli

Technical Assistant

Ina Hoxha, MSc

PhD Studentin (AG Edwin Kniha, PhD)

Dr. Edwin Kniha, PhD

Post Doc, Arbeitsgruppenleiter

Dr.in Martina Köhsler, PhD

Post Doc

Dr.in Iwona Lesiak-Markowicz, PhD

Post Doc

Loferer Nadja, BSc

Chemisch-technische Assistentin

Mag.pharm. Dr. Alvie Loufouma Mbouaka, MSc. PhD

Post Doc

Dr. Rounik Mazumdar, PhD

Post Doc

Katharina Platzgummer, MSc

PhD Studentin (AG Edwin Kniha, PhD)