Projects
Real-time approach to the molecular epidemiology and evolutionary investigation and surveillance of acute viral epidemics. KU Leuven
Genomic analyses have revealed critical insights into the evolution and transmission of infectious agents in recent viral outbreaks, and offered tantalizing examples of the potential value of this approach to future outbreak control efforts. However, the scale and impact of new DNA technologies in these outbreaks has largely been stunted, due to the lack of a systematic and concerted effort. This proposal aims to overcome these challenges by ...
Eco epidemiology of asymptomatic malaria hotspots, a prerequisite for malaria elimination? Institute of Tropical Medicine
Investment in malaria elimination is believed to provide one of the highest returns in global health. Elimination however requires a different approach as compared to what is done in present control programs. New insights in the eco-epidemiology of the malaria parasites will be essential in defining this approach, especially for Plasmodium vivax of which current knowledge is relatively poor. In the proposed research program we seek to ...
Network Statistics for Sexually Transmitted Infections Epidemiology Hasselt University
Molecular epidemiology of human cytomegalovirus. KU Leuven
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous virus that infects the majority of the worldwide population through contact of bodily secretions. Like other herpesviruses, HCMV cannot be cleared and remains latent for the lifetime of its host, providing a source of persistent or sporadic virus secretion and resulting transmission. While the virus can occasionally cause febrile illness or infectious mononucleosis in immunocompetent adults and ...
Epidemiology, sero-diagnosis and control of gastrointestinal nematodes in different poultry production systems in Ethiopia Ghent University
Capillaria, Ascaridia, and Heterakis are among the economically significant Gastrointestinal Nematodes (GINs) that significantly affect the health and productivity of poultry. Anthelmintic resistance is one of a big challenge in the control of animal parasites including poultry. Proper diagnostics and good knowledge of the epidemiology are essential for the development of an effective deworming strategy. Thus, this PhD research project aims ...
Molecular Epidemiology of tuberculosis at Human-Animal interface in the pastoral areas of Ethiopia with subsequent development of improved diagnostic approach KU Leuven
Against the available diagnosis and treatment advances, tuberculosis remains a relentless disease that is one of the leading causes of death from a single infectious agent worldwide. More importantly, the highest burden of tuberculosis is attributed to low- and middle-income countries such as Ethiopia, where limited resources and high population density intersect. Since zoonotic mycobacteria have numerous host ranges that serve as ...
PhD on the epidemiology of invasive pneumococcal disease KU Leuven
The thesis project will focus on the optimization of the Whole Genome Sequencing procedure for Streptococcus pneumoniae strains. We aim to use the genomic data for deep characterization and comparison of pneumococcal strains, isolated during different time periods, different locations (including other countries), and from different body sites. Also, the potential of predicting the antimicrobial susceptibility based on genomic data will be ...
Molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance mechanism of Campylobacter species among children under the age of five with diarrhoea, domestic animals and environmental sources in Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia Ghent University
This study is aimed at determining the molecular epidemiology and mechanism of antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter. Specimens from various sources will be analysed using molecular tools.The nutritional status of children will be measured. The study will contribute to the understanding of the epidemiology and transmission dynamics of Campylobacter and help reduce the burden of diarrhoea and malnutrition in children.
Waste-water based epidemiology as early warning system for COVID-19 surveillance Ghent University
By screening SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater, we want to offer a complementary non-invasive indicator to map and monitor COVID-19 in Flanders.