DEPARTMENT OF PARASITIC DISEASES

Scientific Orientation of the Department

Research program is particularly focused on the circulation of agents of parasitic zoonoses (toxoplasmosis, cystic and alveolar echinococcosis, ascariasis, toxocarosis, trichinellosis, dirofilariasis, etc.) in rural and urban ecosystems. The interactions of parasite–host–environment and the impact of micro- and macroclimatic factors to maintain the parasite life cycle are studied from epidemiological data. Biological, genetic, and immunological properties of parasites are verified by molecular methods. Species-specific antigens are used for diagnostics of parasitic diseases. Immunogenicity of parasitic agents and host immune capacity in the development of parasitic infection are being evaluated. Knowledge about the functional impact of parasitic infection clarifies host–parasite relationships and provides the basis for therapy and prophylaxis of serious parasitic zoonoses.