Two new studies advance a potentially groundbreaking transmission-blocking malaria vaccine. UF researcher Rhoel Dinglasan's approach is completely different: Immunizing mosquitoes with malaria transmission-blocking antibodies produced in people.| epi.ufl.edu
A malaria vaccine designed by UF professor Rhoel Dinglasan is expected to advance to phase 1 clinical trials, thanks to new funding. The vaccine is designed differently from all others: It immunizes mosquitoes via people.| epi.ufl.edu
While infections are rare, the flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus thrives in Florida's warm, salty waters year-round. To protect yourself from this life-threatening infection, avoid swimming and fishing in brackish water with open wounds or handling and eating raw seafood.| Emerging Pathogens Institute » University of Florida
Malaria remains a concern in Florida because the state has 14 mosquito species capable of harboring and transmitting the parasites responsible for the disease.| epi.ufl.edu
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Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a globally significant pathogen affecting both domestic livestock and wildlife, including white-tailed deer (WTD; Odocoileus virginianus). While experimental infections have demonstrated WTD susceptibility to BVDV, natural infections and associated reproductive outcomes remain scarcely documented. Here, we report the first confirmed case of naturally occurring BVDV-1 infection associated with fetal mummification in farmed WTD in Florida.| epi.ufl.edu
Florida has approximatley 25 to 30 ticks. Which ticks are in Florida? What diseases do ticks spread? And how do residents and visitors alike can stay safe when outdoors?| epi.ufl.edu
The UF Emerging Pathogens Institute has assembled a multidisciplinary working group to research a swiftly spreading bird flu strain and help prepare Florida’s response to potential outbreaks.| epi.ufl.edu
Ready to head back into the classroom? So are pathogens! See what this expert from UF EPI is saying to those heading back to school, from tiny tots to college students, to stay happy and healthy this fall.| epi.ufl.edu
Sebastian Botero-Cañola, a postdoctoral associate at the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, won first place in the post-doctoral poster competition at EPI Research Day 2024.| epi.ufl.edu
Findings from a first-ever nationwide survey of tick management methods reveal the most significant roadblocks to creating a uniform, national tick strategy.| epi.ufl.edu
Keynote Talks Event Highlights Poster Competition Winners Pre-doctoral Poster Competition Post-doctoral Poster Competition Early-stage Investigator Poster Competition Past Research Day| epi.ufl.edu
UF veterinary parasitologist Jeff Gruntmeir shares expertise on babesiosis, an emerging disease spread by ticks.| epi.ufl.edu
Common Aedes Aegypti mosquito, magnified 2,000 times at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, 6/28, prepares to feed on human skin. After 15 years of test on more than 3,900 compounds, Jerry Bulter, professor of entomology, has developed a safe, natural insect repellent that protects people against everything from mosquitoes to ticks and tiny “no-see-ums.” Its the first effective alternative to products containing DEET, the most widely used ingredient ...| epi.ufl.edu
University of Florida| Emerging Pathogens Institute
Tuberculosis, a disease that primarily affects the lungs, is still a leading infectious killer estimated to have caused 1.3 million deaths in 2022. Three EPI members bring unique approaches to fighting TB.| epi.ufl.edu
The Aquatic Pathobiology Laboratory, operated by the Emerging Pathogens Institute at the University of Florida, offers investigators lab space to research infectious diseases affecting fresh- and saltwater organisms.| epi.ufl.edu
Behind the scenes in mid-March, a group of researchers, students and lab technicians across campus came together and built a high throughput testing lab in the Emerging Pathogens Institute in just 10 days. “The timeline was so compressed, something like this would normally take at least a month,” says UF molecular biologist Tony Maurelli.| epi.ufl.edu
The University of Florida Emerging Pathogens Institute has expanded its leadership team with two new members to help enhance the institute’s research experience in aquatic pathobiology and clinical research.| epi.ufl.edu
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prevents HIV transmission but has low uptake among women. Identifying women who could benefit from PrEP remains a challenge. This study developed a women-specific model to predict HIV risk within a year using electronic health record (EHR) data and social determinants of health (SDoH).| epi.ufl.edu
Scientists weigh the pros and cons of using artificial intelligence in epidemiological models to predict pandemics.| Emerging Pathogens Institute » University of Florida
A recent study reveals a new variant of an intestinal virus found in a daycare worker. The discovery was accidentally made due to a lab error, which initially led to the mistaken diagnosis of bacterial meningitis.| epi.ufl.edu
A new study by UF Emerging Pathogens Institute members suggests Florida has all the ingredients for local Chagas disease transmission, a latent but life-threatening disease that can cause organ failure.| epi.ufl.edu
Long-range intercellular communication is essential for multicellular biological systems to regulate multiscale cell–cell interactions and maintain life. Growing evidence suggests that intercellular calcium waves (ICWs) act as a class of long-range signals that influence a broad spectrum of cellular functions and behaviors. Importantly, mechanical signals, ranging from single-molecule-scale to tissue-scale in vivo, can initiate and modulate ICWs in addition to relatively well-appreciated bi...| epi.ufl.edu
The family Poxviridae is comprised of enveloped double-stranded DNA viruses whose virions are among the largest in terms of physical and genome sizes. Some poxviruses have limited host ranges, while others, such as cowpox virus and monkeypox virus (MPXV), have broad host ranges that might be expanding. Mule deerpox virus (DPV) is the only recognized species in the genus Cervidpoxvirus to date.| epi.ufl.edu
Florida typically sees increased dengue transmission compared to other states in the U.S. Female mosquitoes transmit this most common mosquito-borne disease in tropical and subtropical regions across the globe.| epi.ufl.edu
University of Florida Emerging Pathogens Institute expert explains measles as U.S. outbreaks breach 1,000 cases for the second time this century.| epi.ufl.edu
Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a disease that primarily affects birds. It is caused by a virus related to those that cause seasonal flu. A subtype of the bird flu virus known as H5N1 can infect mammals, including humans.| epi.ufl.edu
University of Florida Emerging Pathogens Institute assistant scientist Jeff Gruntmeir, Ph.D., won first place in the early-stage investigator poster competition at EPI Research Day 2025.| epi.ufl.edu
Sebastian Botero-Cañola, Ph.D., a postdoctoral associate at the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, won first place in the postdoctoral poster competition at EPI Research Day 2025.| epi.ufl.edu
Marta Reguera Gómez, Ph.D., a postdoctoral associate at the UF College of Dentistry, won first place in the postdoctoral poster competition at EPI Research Day 2025.| epi.ufl.edu
Keynote Talk Key Collaborations Event Highlights Poster Competition Winners Undergraduate Research Poster Competition Pre-doctoral Research Poster Competition Post-doctoral Research Poster Competition Early-stage Investigator Research Poster Competition Past Research Day| epi.ufl.edu
UF College of Public Health and Health Professions Ph.D. candidate Scott Cohen won first place in the pre-doctoral poster competition at EPI Research Day 2025.| epi.ufl.edu
University of Florida College of Agricultural and Life Sciences student Michelle Mu won first place in the undergraduate research poster competition at EPI Research Day 2025.| epi.ufl.edu
At EPI Research Day 2025, Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi underscores the need for collaboration in infectious disease research.| epi.ufl.edu
As Florida enters peak mosquito season, experts from the University of Florida’s Emerging Pathogens Institute outline key mosquito species and diseases to know| epi.ufl.edu
New research published in Science shows that as populations of people gain immunity to dengue, it drives evolutionary pressures that select for viral evolution—and newly susceptible hosts.| epi.ufl.edu
With winter comes a trio of respiratory illnesses, sometimes referred to as a “triple-demic”: influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. Learn how to avoid viruses during the cold, dry weather.| epi.ufl.edu
Listeria infections are rare, but serious. It is the third leading cause of death from a foodborne illness in the United States. Frederick Southwick, M.D., a UF EPI member, explains why the bacteria is so dangerous.| epi.ufl.edu
Glenn Morris, Jr., steps down from his role as director of the University of Florida’s Emerging Pathogens Institute, a globally recognized powerhouse for infectious disease research.| epi.ufl.edu
Oropouche virus, a pathogen endemic to the Amazon region, has recently shown unusual activity with spread to new areas. UF EPI expert Dr. Maureen Long answers common questions about the virus.| epi.ufl.edu
From the beginning, the COVID-19 pandemic has been plagued by myths and misunderstandings about how the disease spreads and how people can protect themselves from the disease. We've come a long way in understanding COVID-19, but distrust of the vaccine prevails to the great detriment of public health.| epi.ufl.edu
Recent outbreaks of H5N1 in U.S. dairy cattle have led to close monitoring of the virus. UF EPI expert Benjamin Anderson, Ph.D., explains the basics of bird flu and why H5N1 is a concern.| epi.ufl.edu
The University of Florida’s AI initiative has transformed faculty research. Here's how Jason Blackburn and Marco Salemi, members of the Emerging Pathogens Institute, are using AI in their work.| epi.ufl.edu
