Epidemiological risk of urban brown rats

Description of the research topic

More than 50% of humanity now resides in cities, and the proportion is drastically growing annually. This has several consequences, among others, the epidemiological risk posed by several urbanised vertebrates, such as the brown rats (Rattus norvegicus). The mere presence of these rodents has caused serious problems in cities all over the world including Budapest. We have, however, limited information about the human and animal health risks they pose. Within this PhD work we will document the most important zoonotic pathogens and parasites carried by rats. We will also try to figure out whether the rats of the capital genetically belong to the same population and whether spatial differences in their infection rates within the city exist. The work will be performed under the DAMA (Document, Assess, Monitor, Act) framework that enables us not only to find but also to monitor the pathogens found relevant during molecular epidemiological risk assessment and to make suggestions to reduce human infection risk.

Thesis supervisor: Gábor Földvári

Required language skills: English

How to Apply?

If you are interested apply here: [PhD] Doctoral School of Biology – Eötvös Loránd University (elte.hu)

For more information visite the following website: Doctoral School of Biology (elte.hu)

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