Phd Position in the Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, Belgium

Phd Position in the Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, Belgium

University of Ghent offers PhD position in the department of Molecular Biotechnology, Belgium

Study Subject: Molecular epidemiology of Chlamydopila (Chlamydia) psittaci infections in humans and development of a recombinant C. psittaci vaccine for chickens
Employer: Ghent University
Level: PhD

The research will be conducted in the Laboratory for Immunology and Animal Cell Biotechnology of Ghent University, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Coupure links, 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.

Research summary:
Human psittacosis (parrot fever) is a zoonotic infectious disease, which is caused by the obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydophila (Chlamydia) psittaci. Transmission of the disease from birds to humans usually originates from close contact with infected birds, most frequently in the context of the poultry industry. The infection is highly prevalent in turkeys and ducks. But, recently we demonstrated that C. psittaci is also widely spread in the chickens. The purpose of the research is to examine the transmission of C. psittaci from infected chickens to humans (co-operation with Ghent University hospital). In addition, we are going to develop a recombinant C. psittaci vaccine for chickens, as vaccination chickens would also reduce the risk of zoonotic C. psittaci transmission to humans.

Profile-Degree: Master in Microbiology, Master in Animals Sciences, Master in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Master in Biosciences, Master in Biotechnology, Master in Molecular Biotechnology, Master in Immunology, Master in Agricultural Sciences.

Scholarship Application Deadline: 1 Juni 2011

For further information, go to: http://infoscholarship.net