Using specialized equipment in the regional biocontainment laboratory, we can generate aerosols containing viruses or bacteria to infect animals or to evaluate pathogen survival in aerosols or on surfaces.

A newer research focus in the lab is to deliver vaccines or antibodies via small particle aerosol to the respiratory tract. We’ve successfully used this to vaccinate rabbits for tularemia and to treat hamsters infected with COVID-19

Tularemia is a severe zoonotic infection caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. There is concern that it could be aerosolized and used as a bioweapon. We are testing potential vaccines to counter this threat as well as working to improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease.

In collaboration with the Barratt-Boyes lab in GSPH, we have developed a nonhuman primate model of lethal highly pathogenic avian influenza. We are using this model to test potential vaccines and therapies and to understand the pathogenesis of disease.

In collaboration with Dr. Klimstra (alphaviruses) and Dr. Hartman (Rift Valley Fever), we’re working towards understanding the pathogenesis of encephalitic viruses and testing potential vaccines and therapies in animal models.