My research interests can be broadly classified as elucidating host/pathogen interactions. Presently, the majority of my efforts are focused on Chagas' disease. This disease, caused by a protozoan hemoflagellate, which is endemic in much of Central and South America where an estimated 16-18 million people are infected and another 90 million are at risk. Recently, we have found strong evidence that tissue tropism of the pathogen may be influenced by host genetics, a characteristic previously attributed the organism itself. If it can be fully substantiated, this phenomenon could be the key to understanding why 30-40% of infected individuals develop life threatening cardiac damage, and the remainder do not.


Return to Powell's home page