Dr
Massaro
Ueti
I work for the USDA-ARS in Pullman, Washington. My research focuses on understanding tick vector-pathogen-mammalian host interactions. I have established a vector-borne program that uses biological approaches to analyze vector competency, including Rhipicephalus, Ixodes, and Dermacentor ticks. These ticks are competent vectors for Babesia, Theileria, Anaplasma, or Borrelia. I pioneered the development of the continuous flow in vitro tick feeding system. This method will enhance large-scale preparations of purified pathogens from infected tick vectors are paramount to advance in vitro testing, transcriptomic, proteomic, and biochemical characterizations of tick-borne pathogens. I have more than 20 years of experience working with tick-borne diseases that affect livestock and more the 85 publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
My research focuses on solving basic and applied problems concerning persistent infectious diseases of livestock. Current research includes bovine anaplasmosis and bovine babesiosis. The principal concerns for these diseases are to solve problems related to domestic animal health and international trade issues. Specifically, my laboratory focuses on the development of accurate diagnostic tests to prevent foreign diseases entering the United States, a vaccine for bovine babesiosis, and understanding vector-pathogen interactions to develop parasite transmission-blocking vaccines. My laboratory has established a vector-borne program that uses biological approaches to analyze vector competency, including Rhipicephalus microplus, R. appendiculatus, and Dermacentor andersoni. These ticks are the primary vectors of Babesia, Theileria, and Anaplasma marginale in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions.