Projects
Host switching pathogens, infectious outbreaks and zoonosis; a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Training Network KU Leuven
The ongoing increase of the human population accompanied by growing numbers of livestock to feed this population, as well as human invasion into natural habitats of wild animals makes humans progressively vulnerable to animal pathogens. Global trade as well as climate changes can contribute to pathogen transmission, e.g. through import of infected vectors or expansion of habitats for arthropod vectors such as mosquitoes and midges. Examples ...
HELIZOON: Helicobacter suis infections: an emerging zoonosis resulting in gastric pathology Ghent University
Helicobacter suis is frequently present in the porcine stomach. We aim at determining the zoonotic relevance of H. suis infections in pigs. Besides, we will develop a serological test for the detection of H. suis specific antibodies in humans.
Helicobacter suis infections in pigs: an emerging zoonosis Ghent University
The general aim of this doctoral research project is to obtain better insights inthe zoonotic significance of H. suis and in the possible role pigs and pork meat play in the transmission of this micro-organism to humans.
Improved assessment of zoonoses impact and dynamics through optimized data collection Ghent University
Surveillance systems are rarely optimally used as data generating mechanisms. In this project, different sampling procedures will be tested on agent-based diseases transmission models. The surveillance results will then be evaluated in a Bayesian statistical framework and incorporated in an improved burden assessment. This will be done for three zoonoses in Nepal: cysticercosis, bovine tuberculosis and Japanese encephalitis.
Measuring biosecurity in Belgian veal calves and cattle herds (all types): identification of strengths and weaknesses and propositions to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases including zoonoses Ghent University
The research proposal aims at studying the biosecurity level of cattle farms, taking into account the different production systems, in order to propose guidelines for improvements to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases, including zoo noses.
The specific research questions are:
- What is the list of priority diseases for calves and cattle, including zoonoses, to be considered?
- What is the ...
A quantitative and qualitative risk assessment of pig-related parasitic zoonoses in Burundi Institute of Tropical Medicine
Investigating the role of ruminants in the development of human diarrhea in Ethiopia caused by bacterial zoonoses Ghent University
The research aims to estimate the prevalence of Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and Campylobacter in human patients with diarrhea, in ruminants to be slaughtered and meat from these animals at retail. Furthermore at farm level the presence of these pathogens in ruminants will be examined and correlated with the presence of diarrhea in persons living on the farms. Characterization of the collected strains may allow to link the ...