We Study:  The mechanisms involved in host-pathogen relationships. Specifically, using the Amphibian-Chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis =Bd)  system.

Our work:  Expands from the organisms and their environments to the use of molecular biology techniques to detect pathogen loads and  investigate the evolution of immune defense.

 

Where?: Although our interest is mainly in tropical direct-developing frogs (like the Puerto Rican coquis), we have projects in the South American Andes (Colombia and Bolivia) and in The Philippines. 

 

Factors considered: Prevalence and Infection intensity associated with microhabitat, climate change, ontogeny, phylogeny, skin microbiome, thermal ecophysiology, immnune defense and more!