Where the ticks are: Mapping the location of pathogen-carrying ticks in western Maryland
During this locally-relevant event, Dr. Rebekah Taylor, Associate Professor of Biology at Frostburg State University, will discuss the research she and her students have been conducting on ticks and Lyme disease in western Maryland.
This event will take place on Zoom. More details, including how to register to attend, to come!
Dr. Taylor’s research interests are centered on immunology, specifically the immune responses and tissues in the mucosal layers of the intestine. Recent projects have included the characterization and analysis of microscopic lymphoid tissues called cryptopatches and isolated lymphoid follicles in the small intestine of wild animals, including field mice (Peromyscus sp.) and fish (C. commersonii). These tissues have been shown to form and change dramatically in response to diet and inflammation in laboratory animals, but little is known about cryptopatches and isolated lymphoid follicles in wild vertebrates.
Another of Dr. Taylor's research interests is that of host-pathogen interactions and pathogenesis. To that end, Dr. Taylor and several undergraduate and graduate students are currently investigating the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, in Western Maryland. Ticks are collected and tested for the presence of Borrelia by PCR analysis, and blood and tissue samples from wild mice are also tested by ELISA and PCR. These data along with environmental information will allow a broad picture of the emergence of Lyme in the regional area.
