Research aims 2010
LIST OF WORKSHOPS ON BIRD SCHISTOSOMES
1st Workshop - Czech Republic, Dolni Vestonice, September 10-14, 2001
2nd Workshop - France, Annecy, June 16-18, 2003
3rd Workshop - Czech Republic, Rejckov-Kouty, July 6-10, 2009
RESEARCH
Three main research streams in the study of bird schistosomes (mainly the genus Trichobilharzia) are in focus: (a) systematics/life cycles, (b) immune responses of snails and vertebrates, (c) biologically important parasite proteins - peptidases, lectins and hyaluronidases.
Systematics/life cycles
- Morphology (incl. ultrastructure) and behavior of schistosome developmental stages
- Development and use of new molecular tools in schistosome systematics
- Identification of natural/experimental intermediate and final hosts
- In vitro cultivation of intrasnail and vertebrate-parasitizing developmental stages
Immune responses of snails and vertebrates
- Snail hemocyte reactions against compatible and incompatible schistosome larvae
- Immune response in vertebrate skin; immune processes participating in cercarial dermatitis
- Inflammatory reactions in target tissues, histopathology of parasite migration within bird and mammalian bodies
- Screening for candidate antigens and introduction of specific immunodiagnosis
Biologically important parasite proteins
- Schistosome peptidases (mainly cathepsins) involved in skin penetration, tissue migration and digestion
- Peptidases of other digeneans (Fascioloides, Diplostomum)
- Hyaluronidases and lectins of bird schistosomes and their role in host-parasite interaction
