Elizabeth Schmidt Didier

Biography

Microsporidia are emerging and re-emerging fungal parasites associated with opportunistic infections and disease in humans including persons with HIV, organ transplant recipients, malnourished children, and the elderly. Subclinical infections are common in otherwise healthy individuals, and infections are transmitted between humans and from animals. Our research utilizes murine and nonhuman primate models of microsporidiosis to study molecular epidemiology, immunology, pathophysiology, drug therapies, and diagnostic methods. We also collaborate with investigators to better understand the evolution of the microsporidia. Microsporidia are emerging and re-emerging fungal parasites associated with opportunistic infections and disease in humans including persons with HIV, organ transplant recipients, malnourished children, and the elderly. Subclinical infections are common in otherwise healthy individuals, and infections are transmitted between humans and from animals. Our research utilizes murine and nonhuman primate models of microsporidiosis to study molecular epidemiology, immunology, pathophysiology, drug therapies, and diagnostic methods. We also collaborate with investigators to better understand the evolution of the microsporidia.

Research Interest

Immunology Enteric infections Microsporidiosis