Chunlei Su, PhD, DVM, University of Tennessee Knoxville

The Su laboratory studies population genetics of Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasma is an apicomplexan parasite related to the causative agents of malaria (Plasmodium spp) and coccidiosis (Eimeria spp). It parasitizes most vertebrates including mammals and birds. In some geographic regions up to 80% of the human population is chronically infected. Toxoplasma has emerged as a major opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised patients (AIDS, cancer chemotherapy and organ transplant). It also causes congenital defects in humans. Through international collaboration, they have studied over 1400 T. gondii isolates and identified 200 unique genotypes worldwide. Preliminary analysis of the data indicates subpopulation structures in different continents, as well as worldwide distribution of a few clonal lineages. They are currently investigating the factors that may influence global transmission and the evolution of virulence in T. gondii.

Part of The Investigator's Annexe program.