The Pesavento laboratory is interested in pathogens that emerge from intensive housing situations such as in shelters. The approach is one of translational research; from examination outbreaks of infectious disease in real-time in the shelters, to analysis of the causative pathogen/pathogens and their particular virulence. The laboratory research focus is particularly focused on certain pathogens that are “repeat offenders”, or those that emerge frequently in shelter situations, such as virulent forms of Feline Calicivirus or Streptococcus. While both of these pathogens are ubiquitous, there are rare outbreaks of devastating disease, and there is minimal understanding of the changes in the pathogen or the host that contribute to virulence. By using cell culture models of host target tissues, the primary aim of the laboratory is to form a basic understanding of the pathogen:host relationship.
Please contact Dr. Pesavento at papesavento@ucdavis.edu for more information.