Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology

Our lab, of the Center for Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases (CVID), studies the ecology and transmission dynamics of vector-borne pathogens, particularly emerging arboviruses. A multitude of factors influence the enzootic circulation of arboviruses and their potential for introduction and establishment in new geographic areas. We are interested in understanding the natural, sylvatic circulation of arboviruses in endemic areas, how an arbovirus might become established in vector and host populations in new geographic areas, and entomological risk factors surrounding such introductions.

To this end, our field and laboratory studies are focused on evaluation of the biological capacity of different mosquito species and populations to support virus replication and serve as efficient vectors, potential mechanisms for virus maintenance in mosquito populations, and the how the interactions of a mosquito species with competent vertebrate amplifying hosts over space and time may influence epizootic virus activity. In addition to these entomological studies, we have an ongoing project to investigate the potential role of bats as arbovirus reservoirs and a source of emerging arboviruses.