Zoonosen & Translationale Forschung

Parasitic zoonoses comprise a group of globally distributed and rapidly spreading infections that are caused by a wide range of arthropods, helminths and protozoa. In addition to their veterinary importance, these parasites affect the human population. Our group study the role of medical, veterinary and economical significant parasites. We aim at understanding the parasite cross-talk with their host to improve the current intervention strategies and approaches. Thereby, we combine basic and applied research to translate the results on epidemiology, on disease development and progression, and on parasite-host interactions into clinically useful applications and intervention guidelines.

Surveillance, epidemiology and control of zoonoses such as alveolar and cystic echinococcosis (Echinococcus multilocularis, E. granulosus), cysticercosis/taeniosis (T. saginata, T. solium and other species), fasciolosis (Fasciola hepatica), and toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma gondii) in Switzerland and abroad, genome sequencing, proteome analysis and test development, institutional partnerships and exchange of knowledge are just a few pillars of our group. Our translational research focus on the development and evaluation of diagnostic test systems. In addition, we are equipped for vaccine design and screening approaches. To realize the various research projects and analytics, we produce in-house poly- and monoclonal antibodies, and nano-bodies.

Focus on key parasites:
Echinococcus, Taenia, Fasciola, Dirofilaria, Toxocara, Babesia, Toxoplasma