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<p>Role of muscoid flies in the ecology of Shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) (Zurek Lab)Significance of bacteria in oviposition, development, fitness, and vector competence of Culicoides sonorensis for EHDV. (Zurek Lab)Microbial ecology and epithelial immunity of house flies and stable flies (Zurek Lab)The insect peritrophic matrix type 1 permeability and effect on parasite development within vectors. (Ortigao Lab)RNA interference to investigate insect vector physiology. (Ortigao Lab)Paratransgenesis approaches against sand fly-transmitted leishmaniasis. (Ortigao Lab)Morphological and physiological analyses of mosquito tissues. (Ortigao Lab) </p>
<p>Research in Zurek's group is focused on better understanding of the microbial-ecology of muscod flies and biting midges with aim to establish a platform for novel approaches for management of these insect pests and/or pathogens they transmit.Research in the Ortigao laboratory focuses on several aspects of the biology of insect-borne diseases. Our studies aim at identifying underlying details of pathogen development within vectors allowing for the development of novel disease and vector control strategies to mitigate the impact of such diseases in animals and humans. </p>