Research

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:
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Cooperation Partners:

Zentrum für systemische Neurowissenschaften (ZSN), Hannover

Institut für Neuroimmunologie und Multiple-Sklerose-Forschung (IMSF) der Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Göttingen

Project Details:
When evaluating and tempering the dosimeter (e.g. TLD-100H, Harshaw), a large number of parameters come into effect, which have a significant influence on both the measurement accuracy and the lower detection limit. These parameters are optimized through comparative studies with a view to the highest possible measurement accuracy and a low lower detection limit.

Project Details:
The aim of the work is to record temperature distribution patterns on the horse's head using an infrared camera and to investigate possible connections with pathological processes in the area of ​​the nose, nasal passages, paranasal sinuses and teeth. Furthermore, the influence of various external parameters should be examined. In addition, the influence of patient-related parameters on the IR image is examined.

Cooperation Partners:

TÄ Birgit Krogbeumker, Schöppingen

Project Details:
The aim of the work is to investigate the clinical applicability of the new perometer 1000 P for determining the volume of paw legs. In this context, the measuring accuracy of this new type of perometer in comparison to an older type of perometer (type 1000 K) is to be determined. The aim is to clarify which technical differences exist compared to the previous model, how reliably and precisely the perometer measures compared to this, which sources of error the measurement method contains and how these can be minimized if necessary.

Cooperation Partners:

Prof. Dr. Dirk Berens von Rautenfeld, Funktionelle und angewandte Anatomie, MHH

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 ?umava 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:
Gap junctions (Gj) are composed of two hemichannels called connexons, which are responsible for direct intercellular communication between adjoining cells. Each cell contains one connexon, composed of six connexin (cx) proteins. The so far discovered functions of Gj are mostly limited to the transport of molecules and ions (< 1 kDa). Nevertheless these junctions tend to be selective and specialize in cellular growth and differentiation (Bruzzone et al., 1996; Kumar and Gilula, 1996). As of today there are at least twenty different cx genes coding for Gj in humans and mice. One of the most researched Gj proteins is Cx43. In the testis, Cx43 is located between two Sertoli cells (SC) and between SC and germ cells (GC), it is involved in testicular development, GC and SC differentiation and spermatogenesis. SC nurture the developing GC and aid in their translocation and development from the basal to the adluminal compartment of the seminiferous tubule. Cx43 is further participating in blood-testis barrier formation and composition together with tight and adherens junctions as member of the "SC-SC junctional complexes" (Carrette et al., 2010).
A conditional SC-specific knockout (KO) of the Gja1 gene (SCCx43KO) revealed Cx43 expression in SC as an absolute requirement for normal testicular development and initiation of spermatogenesis (Brehm et al., 2007; Sridharan et al., 2007). Adult SCCx43KO mice showed normal testis descent, but testis size and weight was drastically lower when compared with heterozygous and WT littermates. Histological analysis revealed that SC specific deletion of Cx43 mostly results in an arrest of spermatogenesis at the level of spermatogonia or SC-only syndrome, intratubular cell clusters, abnormal SC cytoplasmic vacuoles, increased SC numbers and reduced number of spermatogonia per seminiferous tubule. Furthermore, as SCs were found to be still proliferating in adult mice (Sridharan et al., 2007), it was postulated that lack of Cx43 expression in SCs caused these somatic cells to remain in an apparently permanent proliferative state. These results emphasize the critical contribution of Cx43 to the normal maturational progression of SCs which normally results in the cessation of SC mitogenesis during the pubertal period.
Thus, as of today only one mouse stem with SCCx43KO-/- has been established in vivo (Brehm et al., 2007; Sridharan et al., 2007), yet no successful in vitro culturization of a &#61508;Cx43 SC line has been published. Although Carette et al. (2010) were successful in a partial inhibition of the Gj through siRNAs, a complete in vitro knockout may provide beneficial results in understanding the roles of Cx43 for normal spermatogenesis and may help to develop a mechanistic hypothesis in understanding the altered functions of Cx43 in SC leading to impaired spermatogenesis.

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:
In diesem Projekt werden in einem transgenen Mausmodell die Folgen einer Sertoli Zell-spezifischen Deletion des Connexin43-Gens auf die Regulation der Spermatogenese u.a. mittels Microarray und qRT-PCR untersucht. Ausgewählte signifikant veränderte Kandidatengene aus den Mausversuchen werden zudem mit Hodenbiopsien von infertilen Männern verglichen.
Das Projekt bildet die Grundlage verschiedener Forschungsprojekte und Dissertationen sowie künftiger Drittmittelprojekte.
Geldgeber:
DFG, Klinische Forschergruppe KFO181, Male factor infertility due to impaired spermatogenesis
Volumen: 250000 ?

Results:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1642431X17302371?via%3Dihub

Cooperation Partners:

Dr. Daniela Fietz, JLU Giessen

Klinische Forschergruppe Giessen + Marburg

http://www.uni-giessen.de/cms/fbz/fb11/forschung/forschergruppen/kfo_181/home