Research

Funding: Niedersächsisches Ministerium für Wissenschaft und Kultur, 449.000 EUR

Project Details:
In the "zukunft.niedersachsen" program, Cluster 2 "Digital Teaching Hub Lower Saxony" was funded in the funding line Hochschule.digital Niedersachsen: Pillar B - Studies and Teaching. The TiHo is involved in two sub-projects in this cluster. These are the sub-project "Cooperation of services in the field of digital teaching (Media didactics)" and "AI in studies, teaching and examinations".

Cooperation Partners:

Technische Universität Braunschweig

Hochschule für Bildende Künste Braunschweig

Ostfalia Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften

Technische Universität Clausthal

Hochschule Emden/Leer

Georg-August-Universität Göttingen

Leibniz Universität Hannover

Medizinische Hochschule Hannover

Universitätsmedizin Göttingen

Stiftung Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover

Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover

Hochschule Hannover

Stiftung Universität Hildesheim

HAWK Hildesheim/Holzminden/Göttingen

Leuphana Universität Lüneburg

Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg

Universität Osnabrück

Hochschule Osnabrück

Universität Vechta

Jade Hochschule Wilhelmshaven/Oldenburg/Elsfleth

Funding: MWK Niedersachsen und Leibniz-Gesellschaft, 2.390.000 EUR

Project Details:
Emerging infectious diseases keep arising and remain a major threat to human health. Most of the emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic and originate in wildlife animals. The increasing emergence of novel zoonoses is often attributed to land-use change and in particular to agricultural expansion. However, the interaction with the biotic and abiotic environment requires specific adaptations that have largely remained enigmatic. The Leibniz ResearchCampus EcoPaths will apply principles of evolutionary ecology to gain a causal understanding of the mechanisms that allow zoonotic pathogens to persist, multiply, and cycle in the environment outside of the human host. Through a highly integrative approach, ecological drivers of the evolution of Clostridium difficile, Enterococcus faecium / E. faecalis, as well as Porcine Coronaviruses will be studied. The three emerging groups of zoonotic pathogens feature different host ranges, genetic variability, and transmission rates, and hence are exemplary for different life strategies. The Leibniz ResearchCampus EcoPaths is the first consortium to merge the complementary expertises of the six institutions DSMZ, DPZ, TU Braunschweig, TiHo, Thünen Institute, and HZI in the fields of bacterial cultivation, comparative genomics, molecular evolution, prokaryotic biochemistry and regulation, molecular epidemiology, immunology and infection biology. This will enable the partners to closely collaborate in the elucidation of (1) the persistence and (2) cellular responses of pathogens in the environment, and (3) the role of the animal host as reservoir and source of environmental cycling, and to address particularly innovative aspects including the analysis of historic reservoirs based on ancient DNA, modelling the ecological niches of pathogens, determining in situ growth rates, and analysing biotic interactions of pathogens in microbiomes. As long-term objectives, EcoPaths strives to contribute towards the identification of the main pathogen reservoirs, to improve monitoring of pathogens and their transmission routes, and to aid in the development of mitigation strategies for zoonoses. EcoPaths will offer interdisciplinary training opportunities in a topical research field to its PhD students, and a dedicated, specific career development program for young postdoctoral researchers.

Cooperation Partners:

DSMZ Braunschweig, TU Braunschweig, HZI Braunschweig, DPZ Göttingen, vTI Braunschweig

Funding: Industry (Veterinary pharmaceuticals/Vaccines), 300.000 EUR

Project Details:
Entwicklung von Endo- und Ektoparasitika

Funding: Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and German Aerospace Center (DLR), 130.000 EUR

Project Details:
The mediation and maintenance of cell polarity are important for the proper functioning of the cell and its surrounding tissue. Gravity is an important signal transmitter in this process. If polarity is lost, for example due to defects in polarity-mediating genes, cancerous growth usually occurs. Due to their complex anatomical and genetic structure, the relevant gene regulatory relationships have not yet been sufficiently characterised.
In this project, changes in gene activity in the simple marine animal <i>Trichoplax adhaerens </i> are being investigated under simulated weightlessness in order to identify polarity genes.
The project is being carried out in cooperation with gravitational biologist Dr Jens Hauslage from the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) in Cologne and Patrick Humbert, Professor of Cancer Biology at La Trobe University in Melbourne.

Cooperation Partners:

Deutsches Luft- und Raumfahrtzentrum (DLR);

La Trobe University in Melbourne

Project Details:
Helminth infections influence animal health and thus also production parameters in ruminants. In the course of this project, epidemiological investigations and modelling will provide new insights into the distribution and infection dynamics of lungworms, gastrointestinal worms and liver fluke. At the same time, the influence of these parasitoses on production parameters will be determined and innovative control strategies evaluated.

Results:

Teschner, V., Zablotski, Y., Knubben-Schweizer, G., Bootz, F., Strube, C., Wenzel, C. (2025) Impact of the rumen fluke Calicophoron daubneyi on milk production parameters, β-hydroxybutyrate, fertility and feces consistency in southern German dairy cows. Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports 58, 101200

 

Leinmueller, M., Adler, F., Campe, A., Knubben-Schweizer, G., Hoedemaker, M., Strube, C., Springer, A., Oehm, A.W. (2024) Animal health as a function of farmer personality and attitude: Using the HEXACO model of personality structure to predict farm-level seropositivity for Fasciola hepatica and Ostertagia ostertagi in dairy cows. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 11, 1434612

 

Oehm, A.W., Leinmueller, M., Zablotski, Y., Campe, A., Hoedemaker, M., Springer, A., Jordan, D., Strube, C., Knubben-Schweizer, G. (2023) Multinomial logistic regression based on neural networks reveals inherent differences among dairy farms depending on the differential exposure to Fasciola hepatica and Ostertagia ostertagi. International Journal for Parasitology 53, 687-697

 

Vande Velde, F., Hektoen, L., Phythian, C.J., Rinaldi, L., Bosco, A., Hinney, B., Gehringer, M., Strube, C., May, K., Knubben-Schweizer, G., Martins, O.M.D., Mateus, T.L., Simion, V.E., Charlier, J., Bartley, D.J., Claerebout, E. (2023) Understanding the uptake of diagnostics for sustainable gastrointestinal nematode control by European dairy cattle farmers: a multi-country cross-sectional study. Parasite 30, 4

 

Vanhecke, M., Charlier, J., Hamdi, R., Duchene, F., Strube, C., Claerebout, E. (2022) Associations between Dictyocaulus viviparus bulk tank milk seropositivity correlated with meteorological variables. International Journal for Parasitology 52, 659-665

Cooperation Partners:

Prof. Dr. G. Knubben-Schweizer, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

Prof. Dr. Edwin Claerebout, Ghent University

Project Details:
Monitoring the epidemiology and prevalence of parasite infections in livestock and companion animals will contribute to a better knowledge of parasite distribution and improved control strategies. Furthermore, new diagnostics will be developed or existing ones improved.

Results:

Rüster, V., Lückemann, A.K., Wittmann, M., Strube, C., Bartels, T. (2023) Successful long-term control of poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) infestations in floor-kept laying hens via integrated pest management - a case report. Parasitology Research 122, 2549-2555

 

Rüster, V., Werner, H., Wieneke, S., Avramidis, G., Ten Bosch, L., Krause, E.T., Strube, C., Bartels, T. (2022) Short-time cold atmospheric pressure plasma exposition can kill all life stages of the poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, under laboratory conditions. Experimental and Applied Acarology 88, 139-152

 

Vismarra, A., Schnyder, M., Strube, C., Kramer, L. Colombo, L., Genchi, M. (2023) Diagnostic challenges for Aelurostrongylus abstrusus infection in cats from endemic areas in Italy. Parasites & Vectors 16, 187

 

Hauck, D., Raue, K., Blazejak, K., Hannah, R.M., Elsmore, D.A., Pantchev, N., Strube, C. (2023) Evaluation of a commercial coproantigen immunoassay for the detection of Toxocara cati and Ancylostoma tubaeforme in cats and Uncinaria stenocephala in dogs. Parasitology Research 122, 185-194

 

Waindok, P. Raulf, M.-K., Strube, C. (2022) Potentials and challenges in the isolation and detection ascarid egg in complex environmental matrices. Food and Waterborne Parasitology 28, e00174

Cooperation Partners:

Prof. Dr. M. Schnyder, Universität Zürich, Schweiz

Prof. Dr. D. Traversa, Universität Teramo, Italien

Project Details:
Surveys on the epidemiology or prevalence of helminth infections in wildlife will contribute to a better knowledge of parasite distribution and help implementing prevention strategies in terms of the One Health concept. Furthermore, the evaluation of new diagnostic tools will improve health monitoring in wildlife.

Results:

Bisterfeld, K., Raulf, M.-K., Waindok, P., Springer, A., Lang, J., Lierz, M., Siebert, U., Strube, C. (2022) Endoparasites of peritoneal organs and skeletal muscles of the European wildcat (Felis silvestris) in Germany. Parasite & Vectors 17, 473

 

Schütte, K., Springer, A., Brandes, F., Reuschel, M., Fehr, M., Strube, C. (2024) Ectoparasites of European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) in Germany and their health impact. Parasites & Vectors 17, 2

 

Rehbein, S., Jůnková Vymyslická, P., Peterka, T., Strube, C., Visser, M., Mayr, S., Lackerschmid, J. (2024) Calicophoron daubneyi (Paramphistomidae) in deer of the Šumava National Park, Czech Republic - Consequence of prevalent rumen fluke infection in cattle. Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports 50, 101012

 

Bisterfeld, K., Raulf, M.-K., Waindok, P., Springer, A., Lang, J., Lierz, M., Siebert, U., Strube, C. (2022) Cardio-pulmonary parasites of the European wildcat (Felis silvestris) in Germany. Parasite & Vectors 15, 452

 

Waindok, P., Raue, K., Grilo, M., Siebert, U., Strube, C. (2021) Predators in northern Germany are reservoirs for parasites of One Health concern. Parasitology Research 120, 4229-4239

Project Details:
Das Tumormikromilieu stellt einen essentiellen Faktor sowohl beim Tumorwachstum als auch der Tumortherapie dar. Eine Komponente des Tumormikromilieus repräsentiert die Gefäßversorgung der Neoplasien, da Tumoren ohne vaskulären Anschluss ein limitiertes Größenwachstum bis zu einer kritischen Größe aufweisen, über die hinaus eine Versorgung der Zellen über Diffusion nicht mehr möglich ist. Des Weiteren weist das Tumormikromilieu infiltrierende Entzündungszellen auf, die sowohl wachstumsfördernde als auch -hemmende Effekte entfalten können. Das Tumormikromilieu stellt daher einen wesentlichen Angriffspunkt für neue therapeutische Interventionen dar. Histiozytäre Sarkome sind maligne Tumoren, die sowohl beim Hund als auch beim Menschen mit einer schlechten Prognose einhergehen und für die effektive Therapien oft nicht verfügbar sind. Daher stellt die virale Onkolyse einen faszinierenden Ansatzpunkt für die Erweiterung des Therapiespektrums dieser Neoplasie dar. Im vorliegenden Projekt soll der Einfluss einer kaninen Staupevirusinfektion auf kanine histiozytäre Sarkomzellen unter standardisierten in vitro Bedingungen als auch in einem murinen Xenotransplantationsmodell detailliert analysiert werden.

Funding: EU-Interreg, Bavarian Nordic, 270.000 EUR

Project Details:
Ticks transmit various human and animal pathogens. With regard to pathogens, the vector function of ticks for the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex), human and animal granulocytic anaplasmosis and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE virus) is of particular importance. Studies on the abundance and distribution of ticks and their pathogens are therefore essential for assessing the One Health risk. Regarding tick-transmitted pathogens, this project collects data not only for Germany but also at the international level.

Results:

Rapp, J., Springer, A., Strube, C. (2024) Ixodes ricinus ticks survive flooding.  Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases 15, 102417

 

Springer, A., Jordan, D., Höltershinken, M., Barutzki, D., Strube, C. (2024) Endemisation and management of Babesia divergens on a beef production farm. Current Research in Parasitology & Vector-Borne Diseases 6, 100188

 

Springer, A., Lindau, A., Probst, J., Fachet, K., Schäfer, I., Dobler, G., Mackenstedt, U., Strube, C. (2024) Germany-wide Citizen Science study reveals spread of Babesia canis-infected Dermacentor reticulatus ticks by dogs travelling within the country. Current Research in Parasitology & Vector-Borne Diseases 6, 100d187

 

Probst, J., Springer, A., Fingerle, V., Strube, C. (2024) Frequency of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia spp. and coinfections in Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from dogs and cats in Germany. Parasites & Vectors 17, 87

 

Probst, J., Springer, A., Topp, A.-K., Bröker, M., Williams, H., Dautel, H., Kahl, O., Strube, C. (2023) Winter activity of questing ticks (Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus) in Germany − Evidence from quasi-natural tick plots, field studies and a tick submission study.  Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases 14, 102225

Cooperation Partners:

Dr. O. Kahl, tick-radar GmbH

Prof. Dr. U. Mackenstedt, Universität Hohenheim

Dr. V. Fingerle, Nationales Referenzzentrum für Borrelien, Oberschleißheim

Prof. Dr. G. Dobler, Nationales Konsiliarlabor für FSME, München

Dr. L. Chitimia Dobler, Fraunhofer-Institut für Immunologie, Infektions- und Pandemieforschung

Project Details:
Ticks of the genus Ixodes transmit various human and animal pathogens. In this long-term project running since 2005, pathogen prevalence in ticks in the city of Hannover, Germany, is monitored to investigate potential effects of climate change. In addition to the infection status of the ticks, the tick density in the Hannover area will also be determined.

Results:

Glass, A., Springer, A., Raulf, M.-K., Fingerle, V. Strube, C. (2023) 15-year Borrelia prevalence and species distribution monitoring in Ixodes ricinus/inopinatus populations in the city of Hanover, Germany. Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases 13, 102074

 

Glass, A., Springer, A., Strube, C. (2022) A 15-year monitoring of Rickettsiales (Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp.) in questing ticks in the city of Hanover, Germany. Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases 13, 101975

 

Hauck, D., Springer, A., Chitimia-Dobler, L., Strube, C. (2020) Two-year monitoring of tick abundance and influencing factors in an urban area (city of Hanover, Germany). Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases 11, 101464

 

Blazejak, K., Raulf, M.-K., Janecek, E., Jordan, D., Fingerle, V., Strube, C. (2018) Shifts in Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.) geno-species infections in Ixodes ricinus over a 10-year surveillance period in the city of Hanover (Germany) and Borrelia miyamotoi-specific Reverse Line Blot detection. Parasites & Vectors 11, 304

 

Blazejak, K., Janecek, E., Strube, C. (2017) A 10-year surveillance of Rickettsiales (Rickettsia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum) in the city of Hanover, Germany, reveals Rickettsia spp. as emerging pathogens in ticks. Parasites & Vectors 10, 588

Cooperation Partners:

Dr. V. Fingerle, Nationales Referenzzentrum für Borrelien, Oberschleißheim