Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are among the most common neglected diseases affecting humans and animals alike. In parallel, STH infections have a negative impact on the environment through long-term soil contamination, limited access to healthcare, socio-economic disadvantages, and anthelmintic resistance.

These extremely harmful consequences of STH infections are in stark contrast to the low scientific and social awareness of these infections and the lack of training for future researchers in this field in Germany.

RTG 3096 aims to close this training gap by educating the next generation of helminthologists in a One Health approach that addresses infections in humans, animals, and the environment.

Research in the three One Health areas focuses on ascarid infections in humans (Ascaris lumbricoides), pigs (Ascaris suum), and chicken (Ascaridia galli).  

Within the three One Health areas our RTG has defined research gaps which we are aiming to work on. These are:

• Clinical consequences of STH infections for infected humans & animals. Here, research projects will focus on the impact on coinfections, on anti-vaccine responses and the changes of resistance to infection with age.
• Identification of infection mechanisms of STH in humans and animals to identify new intervention targets. In the research area we will work on the cellular metabolism of the parasites, microbial interplay & drug resistance.
• Targeting environmental issues of STH in humans and animals to enable better public health interventions. Here, research projects will focus on transmission risks, public health barriers and health economics.

The scientific projects in the three One Health areas will be addressed in an interdisciplinary manner through joint studies in Germany and Kenya.

The RTG is a member of the structured doctoral program “Biomedical Sciences” (Freie Universität Berlin).