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
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Univ.-Prof.in Mag. Dr.in Julia Walochnik
Team
Ina Hoxha, MSc
PhD Studentin (AG Edwin Kniha, PhD)Tel.: +43 (0)1 40 160-38245
E-Mail: ina.hoxha@meduniwien.ac.at
Dr. Edwin Kniha, PhD
Post Doc, ArbeitsgruppenleiterTel.: +43 (0)1 40 160-38244
E-Mail: edwin.kniha@meduniwien.ac.at
Dr.in Martina Köhsler, PhD
Post DocTel.: +43 (0)1 40 160-38243
E-Mail: martina.koehsler@meduniwien.ac.at
Dr.in Iwona Lesiak-Markowicz, PhD
Post DocTel.: +43 (0)1 40 160-38241
E-Mail: iwona.lesiak-markowicz@meduniwien.ac.at
Loferer Nadja, BSc
Chemisch-technische AssistentinTel.: +43 (0)1 40 160-38245
E-Mail: nadja.loferer@meduniwien.ac.at
Mag.pharm. Dr. Alvie Loufouma Mbouaka, MSc. PhD
Post DocTel.: +43 (0)1 40 160-38239
E-Mail: alvie.loufoumambouaka@meduniwien.ac.at
Katharina Platzgummer, MSc
PhD Studentin (AG Edwin Kniha, PhD)Tel.: +43 (0)1 40 160-38245
E-Mail: katharina.platzgummer@meduniwien.ac.at