A5040162724- Amphibian and Reptile Biology
- Zoonotic diseases and public health
- Rangeland and Wildlife Management
- Parasitic Infections and Diagnostics
- Species Distribution and Climate Change
- Wildlife-Road Interactions and Conservation
- Turtle Biology and Conservation
- Land Use and Ecosystem Services
- Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
- Avian ecology and behavior
- Fire effects on ecosystems
- Hydrology and Sediment Transport Processes
- Forest Management and Policy
- Trypanosoma species research and implications
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Viral Infections and Vectors
- Insect symbiosis and bacterial influences
- Fish Ecology and Management Studies
- Microbial infections and disease research
- Animal and Plant Science Education
- Plant and Fungal Interactions Research
- Religion, Society, and Development
- Aquatic Invertebrate Ecology and Behavior
- Leptospirosis research and findings
- Research on Leishmaniasis Studies
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
2018-2025
Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria
2023-2024
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
2023-2024
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases
2024
Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
2023
Oak Ridge Associated Universities
2023
Tulane University
2014-2021
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
2003-2020
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
2010-2017
University of Minnesota
2010-2017
Abstract Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans ( Bsal ) is a fungal pathogen of amphibians that emerging in Europe and could be introduced to North America through international trade or other pathways. To evaluate the risk invasion amphibian biodiversity, we performed dose-response experiments on 35 American species from 10 families, including larvae five species. We discovered caused infection 74% mortality 35% tested. Both salamanders frogs became infected developed chytridiomycosis. Based...
Abstract: Ecological theory predicts that species with restricted geographic ranges will have the highest probability of extinction, but extensive distributions and high population densities can also exhibit widespread losses. In western United States populations northern leopard frogs (Lithobates pipiens)—historically one most in North America—have declined dramatically abundance distribution. To assess status Colorado evaluate causes decline, we coupled statewide surveys 196 historically...
The parasitic protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi, is widely distributed throughout the Americas. We explored nature of T. cruzi infection in small rodents from New Orleans (LA, USA), an enzootic region parasite North America. characterized full complement discrete typing units (DTUs) rodent hosts through next-generation metabarcoding, as conventional PCR and Sanger sequencing approaches only detect dominant genotype biological samples. assayed DTU diversity tissue samples 6 positive rodents....
Abstract The emerging fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans ( Bsal ), is a significant conservation threat to salamander biodiversity in Europe, although its potential affect North American species poorly understood. We tested the susceptibility of two genera Eurycea and Pseudotriton ) three populations lungless salamanders Plethodontidae . All became infected with ruber wilderae developed chytridiomycosis. also documented that E. differed among populations. Regardless...
Abstract Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans ( Bsal ) is an emerging invasive pathogen that highly pathogenic to salamander species. Modeling infection dynamics in this system can facilitate proactive efforts mitigate pathogen's impact on North American Given its widespread distribution and high abundance, the eastern newt Notophthalmus viridescens has potential significantly influence epidemiology. We designed experiments 1) estimate contact rates given different host densities habitat...
Background Trypanosoma cruzi , the causative agent of Chagas disease, has been detected in mammalian hosts occupying densely populated urban environments. This suggests that risk transmission to humans is higher than prevailing estimates, which largely reflect conditions rural and peri-urban areas. Understanding risks posed by T. thus requires further study pathways part because triatomines – primary vectors for appear be uncommon or absent landscapes. Here we test hypothesis vertical...
Abstract Multifunctionality has become a major objective of European agricultural policy. However, recent research concerning the multifunctionality agriculture focused on economic, production or abiotic factors and paid less attention to biotic, landscape social aspects. In addition, relationships in form trade-offs between different values such as biodiversity, cultural heritage, recreation aesthetics have been little studied. This case study farm southern Sweden explores synergies...
Many pathogens infect more than one host species, and clarifying how these different hosts contribute to pathogen dynamics can facilitate the management of lend insight into functioning in ecosystems. In this study, we investigated a suite native non-native amphibian Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) across multiple scales identify potential mechanisms that may drive infection patterns Colorado study system. Specifically, aimed determine if: 1) populations vary Bd landscape, 2) community...
Recent cyclosporiasis outbreaks associated with fresh produce grown in the United States highlight need to better understand Cyclospora cayetanensis prevalence U.S. agricultural environments. In this study, C. occurrence was assessed municipal wastewater sludge, on-farm portable toilets, irrigation pond water, and spent packing house dump tank water a Southeastern Georgia growing region over two years. Detection of 18S rRNA qPCR gene target samples 0%, 28%, 42% (N = 217) depending on...
Rat lungworm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis), a parasitic nematode that can cause eosinophilic meningitis in humans, was first detected New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, the mid-1980s and now appears to be widespread southeastern United States. We assessed distribution, prevalence, intensity of A. cantonensis infection Orleans by examining lung biopsy samples rodents trapped at 96 sites 9 areas Parish 1 area neighboring St. Bernard during May 2015 through February 2017. These were selected capture...
Abstract Background Trypanosoma cruzi - the causative agent of Chagas disease is known to circulate in commensal pests, but its occurrence urban environments not well understood. We addressed this deficit by determining distribution and prevalence T. infection populations wild rodents across New Orleans (Louisiana, USA). assessed whether varies according host species identity co-occurrences, mosaics abandonment that shape rodent demography assemblage structure city. Methods Leveraging...
Controlled experiments are one approach to understanding the pathogenicity of etiologic agents susceptible hosts. The recently discovered fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), has resulted in a surge experimental investigations because its potential impact global salamander biodiversity. However, variation methodologies could thwart knowledge advancement by introducing confounding factors that make comparisons difficult among studies. Thus, our objective was evaluate if...
Land use change can elevate disease risk by creating conditions beneficial to species that carry zoonotic pathogens. Observations of concordant global trends in increased pathogen prevalence or incidence and landscape have generated concerns urbanization could increase transmission some Yet host-pathogen relationships underlying not been well characterized within cities, even where contact between humans capable transmitting pathogens concern occurs. We addressed this deficit testing the...