The project objectives:
Development of new experimental models for the study of Borrelia-tick interrelation
The development of in vitro cultivation methods for ticks as an alternative to growth in animals, in the context of the study of vector borne diseases;
Cultivation of the genus Borrelia pathogens using in vitro system developed;
Evaluation of the economic feasibility of in vitro methods developed;
The reveal of new aspects of Borrelia - tick interrelations
Vertical transmission (transovarian and trans-stadial) of Borrelia between ticks, in species which this aspect is not known;
Horizontal transmission (from males to females and vice-versa) of Borrelia between ticks, in species which this aspect is not known;
The development and patenting of a method for collecting unfed ticks from the environment using carbon dioxide traps;
Genogeographic analysis of Borrelia burgdorferi isolated from arthropods and vertebrates in Romania and emphasizing the epidemiological importance
Identification of vector-ticks and their developmental stages with active role in the transmission of Lyme borreliosis in Romania;
Identification of vertebrates species involved as reservoir-hosts for Borrelia in Romania;
Molecular epidemiology of Lyme borreliosis in Romania;
Monitoring of anti-Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato antibodies prevalence in animals from Danube Delta;
Seroepidemiology of anti-Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato antibodies in wild biungulates from Romania;
Evaluation of C6 Borrelia burgdorferi antigen level in urban and rural dog population from Cluj county;
Comparative evaluation of diagnostic methods (molecular vs. cultural) of Borrelia infection found in different stages, in ticks;
Ecoepidemiology of Borrelia burgdorferi infection in Romania
Temporal and spatial evolution of Borrelia burgdorferi infection in endemic regions;
Epidemiological and climatic correlations;
Establishing risk-factors for human borreliosis in the specific climatic conditions of Romania;
Measurable objectives and their dissemination
Publication of articles in journals with a cumulative impact factor of at least 60;
Publication of one monograph regarding Borrelia – tick interrelation;
Designing a website that contain the most significant results of the project;
Participation in conferences;
Patenting a flagging / trapping device