Evolutionary Genetics of Vector and Parasite Populations

Evolutionary Genetics of Vector and Parasite Populations
We are interested in studying patterns and levels of genetic diversity at neutral and non-neutral DNA regions to understand the worldwide history of colonization of these two mosquitoes species, the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, and the tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus. Presently, these species are major health concerns, as they are both powerful invaders and most importantly they are... Read more
Hookworm, soil transmitted helminths (STHs) infect nearly one billion people worldwide, represent a leading cause of anemia and malnutrition in resource limited countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends targeted or community based Mass Drug Administration (MDA) with benzimidazole anthelminths, most often albendazole, to control STHs. However, there is growing evidence of reduced... Read more
The Norway rat, Rattus norvegicus, is one of the most important pest species globally and the main reservoir of leptospires causing human leptospirosis in the urban slums of tropical regions.   Salvador, Brasil is a large city of three million residents that has experienced a 280% increase in its population since 1970. Much of this added population is concentrated in favelas that are... Read more
Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) (a.k.a. African sleeping sickness) kills thousands of people each year in sub-Saharan Africa. The Animal African trypanosomiasis (AAT) or Nagana kills cattle and other livestock, thus impacts African economic in significant ways. Both disease are caused by the African trypanosomes in the Trypanosoma brucei complex and are transmitted by tsetse flies species... Read more
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