Our research group focuses on the transmission, adaptation, and evolution of parasites across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Although parasites represent one of the most abundant and evolutionarily successful groups of organisms, their roles within ecosystems and their impacts on host health remain insufficiently understood.
At the local scale, we apply the One Health framework to investigate the zoonotic potential and transmission dynamics of selected parasites in environments characterized by close contact among humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. We combine field-based research with advanced molecular approaches, including targeted sequencing and metagenomic methods, to better understand parasite circulation within complex multihost communities.
At broader geographic scales, we analyze the global distribution and population structure of selected parasitic taxa using comparative and population genomic approaches. We examine host specificity, genetic adaptation, and host–parasite co-evolution, generating insights into evolutionary dynamics that are directly relevant to the development of more effective control strategies.
Our research also incorporates paleoparasitology, enabling the reconstruction of historical infection patterns through the analysis of ancient and sedimentary DNA. This temporal perspective provides unique insights into long-term changes in parasite diversity and transmission.
By integrating ecology, evolutionary biology, molecular genetics, and the history of disease, we aim to advance understanding of parasitic infections and their impacts on both human health and wildlife populations.