Frank Katzer

Biography

Frank Katzer is a molecular parasitologist and has been working in the field of protozoan pathogens of veterinary importance since 1990. His background is mainly in molecular biology of pathogens, with an active research interest in host-parasite interactions as well as parasite and antigen diversity. Methodologies such as PCR based satellite markers, aided his studies into parasite population complexities, dynamics and the effect of the host immunity on parasite diversity. Before his move to the Moredun in June 2007 he worked on tick borne pathogens of the genera Theileria and Babesia. Since then, he has broadened his interest range, which now also includes Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Cryptosporidium species. At Moredun, he has been involved in developing and improving DNA based diagnostic and typing tools for these parasites. The aim of his work with these tools is to gain insights into parasite epidemiology and the effectiveness of different parasite control measures. A further area of his research interest is the identification of potential infection risks by these protozoan parasites to both livestock and humans through food and drink.

Research Interest

Host-pathogen interactions, Immune response