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# Tick Research Group

Research Group on Ticks and Tick-Borne Microorganisms

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.tickresearch.eu/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Three new publications](https://www.tickresearch.eu/news/three-new-publications/) - With the start of the summer, it is time for a short update on all the work we have done so far, which has resulted in the following publications: Brestrich, G., Shafquat, M., Pilz, A., Zurl, M., Tan, Y., Guem, T., Schmid, D., Sellner, J., Wijnveld, M., Moisi, J., Stark, J.H., 2026. Estimation of the burden
- [Two new publications](https://www.tickresearch.eu/news/two-new-publications-2/) - We are excited to announce that we have published two new manuscripts with our cooperation partners: Ruivo, M.; Schötta, A.-M.; Stelzer, T.; Reiter, M.; Wijnveld, M. Comparative analysis of Borrelia’s Defence mechanisms and their impact on genetic manipulation of low-passage isolates of Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii. Curr. Res. Microb. Sci. 2026, 10, 100543, doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crmicr.2025.100543.
- [Molecular Typing of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Ixodids of Bosnia and Herzegovina](https://www.tickresearch.eu/news/molecular-typing-of-tick-borne-pathogens-in-ixodids-of-bosnia-and-herzegovina/) - With our colleagues at the Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine in the Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology at the Medical University Vienna, we published a new paper. In this article, we analysed and typed tick-borne pathogens within ticks collected in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Of the analysed ticks, 22.1% were positive for at
- [Two new publications](https://www.tickresearch.eu/news/two-new-publications/) - Firstly, with our cooperation partners, we wrote a review about the immunomodulatory effects of tick saliva. This can be read in the article "Ticks’ tricks: immunomodulatory effects of ixodid tick saliva at the cutaneous tick-host interface". Secondly, we published another review describing the considerations for comparing studies and literature regarding borreliosis diagnostics: "The choice of
- [Open position: PhD student](https://www.tickresearch.eu/news/open-position-phd-student/) - Are you interested in research on ticks and tick-borne pathogens? We currently have an opening for a PhD student.The application deadline is April 30th, 2025.For further details: PhD_position_tick_research_MUW_2025Download
- [Funded project: Alternative methods for tick rearing and infection models](https://www.tickresearch.eu/news/funded-project-alternative-methods-for-tick-rearing-and-infection-models/) - We are honoured and excited to announce that the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research of Austria (BMBWF) and the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) have funded our project, “Alternative methods for tick rearing and infection models” (https://doi.org/10.55776/PAT8439224), which focuses on the replacement, reduction and refinement (3Rs) of laboratory animals in studies related to ticks
- [Ticks and their pathogens in urban and peri-urban areas of Kosovo](https://www.tickresearch.eu/news/ticks-and-their-pathogens-in-urban-and-peri-urban-areas-of-kosovo/) - We are excited to have a publication, "Zoonotic Tick-Borne Pathogens in Ixodes ricinus Complex (Acari: Ixodidae) From Urban and Peri-Urban Areas of Kosovo", with our cooperation partners at Molecular Parasitology of the institute for specific prophylaxis and tropical medicine, center for pathophysiology, infectiology and immunology at the Medical University of Vienna. In this paper, ticks
- [New Manuscript Publication](https://www.tickresearch.eu/news/new-manuscript-publication/) - We are happy to announce the publication of our new manuscript: Optimising Transformation Efficiency in Borrelia: Unravelling the Role of the Restriction-Modification System of Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii The paper discusses our research on how Borrelia species defend themselves against viruses (bacteriophages). Borreliae and other microorganisms identify their own DNA by marking it with
- [Two new projects granted](https://www.tickresearch.eu/news/two-new-projects-granted/) - We are thrilled to share the news that two new projects have been accepted - "Improving surveillance of zoonotic pathogens associated with bats in Central Europe" and "Assessing an artificial tick feeding system as a tool in the study of Borrelia-tick interactions". The projects are expected to generate valuable insights that can help prevent the
- [Attendance grants for ITPD2023](https://www.tickresearch.eu/news/attendance-grants-for-itpd2023/) - We are thrilled to share that ESCMID has granted us attendance grants for the International Symposium on Tick-Borne Pathogens and Disease, ITPD 2023. ESCMID members can apply for these grants at:https://www.escmid.org/profession_career/awards_grants/attendance_grants/attendance_grant_application
- [Tiny ticks, large risks](https://www.tickresearch.eu/news/tiny-ticks-large-risks/) - Starting spring, and continuing through summer into autumn, is a hectic time for us as tick researchers. It is high tick season, and we often collect ticks for our surveillance studies and other research projects. You will recognise us by our big white flags in search of ticks: Currently, all life stages of ticks can
- [Ixodes ricinus male tick feeding and detaching](https://www.tickresearch.eu/news/ixodes-ricinus-male-tick-feeding-and-detaching/) - Male Ixodes ricinus ticks feed a small amounts of blood per time. They are highly mobile and are thought to move between host animals in search of females to mate with. On every host the male tick can feed and can get infected but also transmit pathogens. Male ticks lack the engorging capacity that females
- [Tick Saliva](https://www.tickresearch.eu/news/tick-saliva/) - Ticks actively secrete saliva during feeding. This saliva does not only contain pathogens, but also hunderds of proteins. All with different effects and causes. Components of tick saliva are known to cause tick paralysis. Others are associated with α-gal syndrome (AGS) or red meat allergy. We investigate the saliva and for this we have to
- [Save the date! ITPD symposium 2023](https://www.tickresearch.eu/news/save-the-date-itpd-symposium-2023/) - From the 22nd until the 25th of October 2023, we will co-organise the International Symposium on Tick-Borne Pathogens and Disease (ITPD) in honour of professor Gerold Stanek. The symposium will be held in Vienna, Austria. More information will soon be published on https://www.itpd-tickborne.com/
- [5th International Conference on Relapsing Fever](https://www.tickresearch.eu/news/5th-international-conference-on-relapsing-fever/) - From the 17th -19th July 2023, the 5th International Conference on Relapsing Fever will take place in České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic. More information can be found here: https://ryanomrego.wixsite.com/5th-relapsing-fever
- [Ever wondered how ticks are collected?](https://www.tickresearch.eu/news/ever-wondered-how-ticks-are-collected/)
- [Gerold Stanek](https://www.tickresearch.eu/news/gerold-stanek/) - It is with great sadness that we announce that professor Gerold Stanek passed away after a short illness on the 4th of November 2022. He was the expert on tick-borne diseases and especially borreliosis. Additionally, he was the driving force behind numerous tick and especially borrelial research initiatives. The tick community has lost a great
- [NorthTick meeting](https://www.tickresearch.eu/news/northtick-meeting/) - On the 30th and 31st of May 2023 the NorthTick meeting will take place in Inverness, Scotland, UK. More information can be found here: https://northtick2023.scot/
- [PRAGMATICK](https://www.tickresearch.eu/news/pragmatick/) - Pragmatick is a newly accepted COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) action. More information can be found here: https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA21170/
- [15th International Symposium on Ticks and  Tick-borne Diseases](https://www.tickresearch.eu/news/15th-international-symposium-on-ticks-and-tick-borne-diseases/) - From 29-31 March 2023, the 15th International Symposium on Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases will be held in Weimar, Germany. More information can be found here: https://www.ittbd-symposium.com/

## Pages

- [Tick-Borne Pathogens](https://www.tickresearch.eu/tick-borne-pathogens/) - Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato Rickettsia spp. More coming soon.
- [Rickettsia spp.](https://www.tickresearch.eu/tick-borne-pathogens/rickettsia-spp/) - The genus Rickettsia comprises a group of small, specialised, obligate intracellular bacteria that can only replicate inside the cells of their host. Certain members of this genus belong to the Spotted Fever Group (SFG) and are emerging pathogens responsible for tick-borne rickettsioses [1]. While Mediterranean spotted fever (caused by Rickettsia conorii) is a well-known risk
- [Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato](https://www.tickresearch.eu/tick-borne-pathogens/borrelia-burgdorferi-sensu-lato/) - Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato is a complex of genetically related, spiral-shaped bacteria (spirochetes). These bacteria are the pathogens behind Lyme borreliosis (Lyme disease), the most common tick-borne infection across the Northern Hemisphere [1]. While North American Lyme disease is almost exclusively driven by a single species (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto), Europe presents a much more
- [Publications](https://www.tickresearch.eu/publications/) - Publications published by (former) members of the research group on ticks and tick-borne microorganisms: Brestrich, G., Shafquat, M., Pilz, A., Zurl, M., Tan, Y., Guem, T., Schmid, D., Sellner, J., Wijnveld, M., Moisi, J., Stark, J.H., 2026. Estimation of the burden of Lyme borreliosis in Austria using hospital discharge data. Int. J. Infect. Dis. 108934.
- [Team](https://www.tickresearch.eu/team/) - Head: Ing. Michiel Wijnveld, PhD. Margarida Ruivo, MSc. Hena Comic, MSc. Patricia Román-Carrasco, MSc. PhD. Polina Sokolova, BA Student Alumni
- [Hena Comic, MSc.](https://www.tickresearch.eu/team/hena-comic-msc/) - ©Lucia Hofmaier My name is Hena Comic, and I’m originally from Bosnia but I grew up between Kelowna, Canada, and Lörrach, Germany. My academic journey began with a degree in Biology at the Albert Ludwigs University in Freiburg, where I first discovered my passion for microbiology. To gain practical experience, I took on a managing
- [Ing. Michiel Wijnveld, PhD.](https://www.tickresearch.eu/team/ing-michiel-wijnveld-phd/) - ©Mag. Michael Reiter, PhD My name is Michiel Wijnveld and I’m originally from the Netherlands. I studied life sciences, with a focus on molecular microbiology, at the Saxion University of Applied Science, Deventer, the Netherlands. After obtaining my bachelor’s degree, I started working at the Utrecht Center for Tick-borne Diseases (UCTD) which was headed by
- [Polina Sokolova, BA Student](https://www.tickresearch.eu/team/polina-sokolova-ba-student/) - My name is Polina Sokolova and I am originally from Russia. I have been living in Vienna for over 6 years and finished secondary school here. Currently I am a bachelor student at the University of Vienna studying Biology with a specialisation in Microbiology and Genetics. Since February 2024, I have been working at the
- [Open Positions](https://www.tickresearch.eu/open-positions/) - We currently have two open positions. For BSc or MSc students, we have two projects available: The first project focuses on the identification and screening of ticks collected in Southern Europe. The second project analyses wildlife samples collected in Western Asia for tick-borne pathogens. If you want to know more or apply, just send us
- [Artificial feeding of ticks](https://www.tickresearch.eu/research/artificial-feeding-of-ticks/) - To study host-pathogen-vector interactions, we use a silicone membrane based artificial feeding system to feed ticks. In this system we can investigate the transmission dynamics of pathogens. For example, how long does a tick need to feed before a pathogen is transmitted? Or, how do ticks become infected with pathogens? Can we block the transmission
- [Assessing an artificial tick feeding system as a tool in the study of borrelia-tick interactions](https://www.tickresearch.eu/research/assessing-an-artificial-tick-feeding-system-as-a-tool-in-the-study-of-borrelia-tick-interactions/) - Ticks, especially Ixodes ricinus, transmit many pathogens to humans and (domestic) animals. One group of pathogens transmitted are from the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) complex, the causative agents of Lyme borreliosis.Although the interaction between ticks and Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. has been studied in the past, the exact interactions remain a mystery. This project aims
- [Research](https://www.tickresearch.eu/research/) - Immune responses to meat allergens (alpha-gal syndrome) Artificial feeding of ticks Ticks and tick-borne pathogens in Austria Improving the surveillance of zoonotic pathogens associated with bats in Central Europe Assessing an artificial tick feeding system as a tool in the study of borrelia-tick interactions
- [Improving the surveillance of zoonotic pathogens associated with bats in Central Europe](https://www.tickresearch.eu/research/improving-the-surveillance-of-zoonotic-pathogens-associated-with-bats-in-central-europe/) - In cooperation with the Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences in Bratislava, Slovakia and the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Slovakia, to study the role of bats in the presence, prevalence, and distribution of zoonotic pathogens in Central Europe. Despite their crucial ecological role, bats are still one of the most
- [Donations](https://www.tickresearch.eu/donations/) - If you would like to support our research, a donation can be made to the following bank account: Account holder: Medical University of ViennaPayment reference: UE64401004 Forschung an der ZeckeAccount number: 40410070700BLZ: 20100 / Erste BankIBAN: AT362011140410070700BIC: GIBAATWWUID-Nr.: ATU57469858 All donations are voluntairy and cannot be used to request services or reciprocation from the research group
- [Abstract Submission](https://www.tickresearch.eu/abstract-submission/) - [wpabstracts event_id=2]
- [Ticks and tick-borne pathogens in Austria](https://www.tickresearch.eu/ticks-and-tick-borne-pathogens-in-austria/) - One of our research focuses is centred on studying the prevalence of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in Austria. Our goal is to keep a close eye on the presence of medically and veterinarianially significant ticks while also screening them using molecular tools to determine the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens. Recently we published a paper describing
- [Immune responses to meat allergens (alpha-gal syndrome)](https://www.tickresearch.eu/research/immune-responses-to-meat-allergens-alpha-gal-syndrome/) - Red meat allergy or alpha-gal (galactose-α-1,3-galactose) syndrome is an allergy or sensitization against an oligosaccharide that is present in tissues of all mammals excluding humans, old world monkeys and apes. The allergy consists of a delayed allergic reaction after eating meat which contains alpha-gal. In some situations, the reaction can lead to anaphylactic shock. Normally,
- [Patricia Román-Carrasco, MSc. PhD.](https://www.tickresearch.eu/team/patricia-roman-carrasco-msc-phd/) - Patricia Román-Carrasco studied Nutritional Sciences as well as Food Science and Biotechnology in the Autonomous University of Madrid and did the last year of her master studies as Erasmus student in the Universität für Bodenkultur Wien (BOKU). After working at the Institute of Milk Hygiene of the Veterinary University of Vienna (current Unit of Food
- [Alumni](https://www.tickresearch.eu/team/alumni/) - Anna Danklmaier Laura Hermann Katharina Kantner Noemi Zsuzsa Kovacs Mateusz Markowicz Andreas Müller Verena Mündler Michael Reiter Anna-Margarita Schötta Gerold Stanek Theresa Stelzer
- [Ticks](https://www.tickresearch.eu/ticks/) - Ticks of medical relevance in central Europe: Ixodes ricinus Dermacentor reticulatus Haemaphysalis concinna
- [Haemaphysalis concinna](https://www.tickresearch.eu/ticks/haemaphysalis-concinna/) - Haemaphysalis concinna is one of the least studied tick species that can bite humans. The complete life cycle can take about three years to complete in nature. Similar to I. ricinus, this tick species is also a three-host. During every active life stage, this tick species will feed, drop off, moult and search for a
- [Dermacentor reticulatus](https://www.tickresearch.eu/ticks/dermacentor-reticulatus/) - Dermacentor reticulatus, also known as the ornate dog tick, is larger than I. ricinus. Another characteristic feature is the colour pattern on the shield (scutum) of the tick. This tick species occasionally bites humans and is more often found biting pets instead. Like I. ricinus, this tick species is a three-host tick. During every active
- [Ixodes ricinus](https://www.tickresearch.eu/ticks/ixodes-ricinus/) - Ixodes ricinus, also known as castor bean ticks, is the tick that most frequently bites humans as well as pets in (central) Europe. This tick species is a three-host tick. During every active life stage (i.e., larvae, nymph and adult) the tick requires a host for as a source of a blood meal. After this
- [Margarida Ruivo, MSc.](https://www.tickresearch.eu/team/margarida-ruivo-msc/) - My name is Margarida Ruivo and I come from a small town in Portugal called Portalegre. I graduated in Cell and Molecular Biology from the Nova University of Lisbon in 2016. My degree internship took place at the Laboratory of Cell Surfaces and Bacterial Pathogenesis at the ITQB-NOVA, where I learned and applied molecular biology
- [About](https://www.tickresearch.eu/about/) - The research group on ticks and tick-borne diseases was originally founded by Ao.Univ.-Prof. Dr.med.univ. Gerold Stanek at the Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology within the Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology of the Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. For many years professor Stanek conducted, supervised, and supported research on ticks and tick-borne pathogens.
- [Contact](https://www.tickresearch.eu/contact/) - Medical University of Vienna Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology Research Group on Ticks and Tick-Borne Microorganisms Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria Tel.: +43 (0)1 40160-33025 E-Mail: zecken@meduniwien.ac.at

## Categories

- [News](https://www.tickresearch.eu/category/news/)