Risk of exposure to ticks (Acari: Ixodida) and ixodid-transmitted pathogens on the territory of Poland

The purpose of the Project is to increase the knowledge of the infection hazard of borreliosis and other pathogens transmitted by ticks and to research to what extent people in South-East Poland are exposed to diseases caused by tick-transmitted pathogens, with the overall objective to improve the level of health safety for people who are exposed to ticks. Reference is made to the application dated 11 April 2007, and any subsequent correspondence with the Focal Point. The completed Project shall include the following activities and results: 1) Faunistic research; collecting the ticks and creating a map of structure and composition of its population in Poland; 2) Examination of collected ticks to assess the risk of exposure to borreliosis; 3) Epidemiological and clinical research (serological examination of 6000 people in South-East Poland); 4) Research and determination of genetic mechanisms in relation to relevant micro-organisms; 5) Analysis of obtained results and formulation of monitoring, diagnostic and preventive programmes; 6) Purchase and installation of necessary equipment; 7) Publications on research findings; 8) Project management, audit and publicity. The Project Promoter is the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice. Subject to national law, the Project shall be implemented in partnership with the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo. The Focal Point shall ensure that the Ministry of Science and Higher Education in Poland shall provide at least 15 percent of the total eligible Project costs.