Vector Biology and Vector-borne Diseases
CeZAP Thematic Group
Vector-borne diseases continue to have a devastating impact on global public health. Mosquitoes of the Culicidae family transmit malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, West Nile fever, and lymphatic filariasis, to name a few. Tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Tularemia have been on the rise in the United States in recent years.
To mitigate the impacts of vector-borne diseases, we need a deep understanding of the biology, behavior, and ecology of both the insect vector and the pathogen. From this knowledge, interventions can be devised that focus either on severing the route of vector transmission or on targeting the pathogen to prevent or cure disease.
Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Diseases faculty apply diverse approaches to understand, detect, and control bacterial, viral, protozoal, and fungal pathogens as well as the arthropod vectors that transmit them. Highly collaborative research projects are conducted in state-of-the-art laboratories, utilizing insectaries and BSL-2 and BSL-3 facilities.
Highlight Research relating to the specific thematic area:
- James Weger-Lucarelli studies the effect of obesity on the transmission and pathogenesis of arboviruses.
- Jonathan Auguste is developing novel interventions for RNA viruses including flavivirus vaccine candidates, antivirals, and associated animal models to better inform intervention testing.
- Clement Vinauger investigates circadian and pathogen-induced modulations of vector-host interactions
- Igor Sharakhov develops and implements cytogenetic and genomic tools to understand genetic and epigenetic mechanisms
- Michael Robert builds and analyzes mathematical models to investigate potential drivers of the emergence of mosquito-borne diseases in naïve populations
- Gillian Eastwood focuses on vector-borne disease ecology with a One Health perspective.
