Genetic Basis of Protozoan Pathogan Emergence and Disease

NIH Director's Seminar Dr. Grigg’s research program investigates the emergence and pathogenesis of prevalent zoonoses that infect a broad spectrum of animal and human hosts. His group is particularly focused on the protozoan parasites Toxoplasma, Leishmania, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium. He performs population and molecular genetic analyses, using both forward and reverse genetics, to identify virulence genes that control pathogenesis and perturb immune system homeostasis in animal models of natural infection. Recent work is exploring the extent to which protozoan parasites utilize their sexual cycles to rapidly produce new virulent lines that extend their host range or cause outbreaks. Ultimately he is identifying how strain-specific variations in metabolic potential and virulence impact host pathogenesis. Air date: 3/7/2014 12:00:00 PM
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