Project information
Navázání dlouhodobé výzkumné spolupráce na výzkumu genomu Giardia intestinalis (GIAGEN)

This project has two main aims. The first aim is stimulating and building a long term mutual research relationship for whole genome sequencing (WGS) of Giardia intestinalis as well as comparing human and orangutan isolates between Masaryk University in the Czech Republic and Bergen University in Norway. The second is sharing and transferring the best available knowledge and experiences between research groups by organising bilateral training at Masaryk University. This project is important as parasites transmitted through contaminated water are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. They also often prove fatal for immunocompromised humans such as HIV patients, transplant patients or cancer patients exposed to radiation therapy. They cause human and animal diseases representing significant world health problems, with a considerable impact on the global economy. Our research is aimed at helping to control and understand these diseases. This requires the development of a novel WGS. The project will be focusing on establishing a research relationship to compare human and orangutan isolates of giardia infection effectively. The team at Bergen University have excellent long term experience on human giardiasis, whilst the Masaryk University team have long term experience with orangutan parasite infections. Exchanging and sharing experiences as well as information learnt between teams will increase research capacity and build strong research relations between both countries. The future aim of this project is collaborative investigation of zoonotic transmission/exchange of isolates between primates and humans.