Trial lecture: 'How do the ecologies of different vector-borne pathogens influence disease risk in response to environmental changes?'
Time and place: Apr. 19, 2024 10:15 AM, Nucleus, Bikuben, Kristine Bonnevies hus
Main research findings:
Pathogens in nature provide a fascinating lens for studying connections in an ecosystem. Tracing the movement of a pathogen between species and populations is like following a thread that ties together pieces of a tapestry. Lyme disease, a bacterial infection spread by tick bites, is a particularly interesting study system because it is very complex. The ticks that spread Lyme disease feed on a broad diversity of wildlife, many of which can be hosts for disease-causing bacteria. Recent changes in climate, land use, and wildlife communities have resulted in a rapid increase both in the number and geographic spread of Lyme disease cases. The rapid spread of disease presents both a pressing environmental and public health concern. In my research, I used surveillance data to explore Lyme disease trends. I found that children and youth get sick about four weeks earlier than adults. I also found that the timing of Lyme disease cases is now around six weeks earlier than 25 years ago. To understand why cases are happening earlier, I developed a mathematical model that simulates bacteria transmission between ticks and bank voles. This model can help us understand how wildlife population dynamics influence disease outcomes.
Candidate contact information
Adjudication committee
Prof. Lucy Gilbert, University of Glasgow
Prof. Øystein Varpe, University of Bergen
Prof. Tom Andersen, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo
Chair of defense
Prof. Tore Slagsvold, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo
Supervisors
Assoc. Prof. Yngvild Vindenes, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo
Prof. Atle Mysterud, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo
Senior Researcher Hildegunn Viljugrein, Norwegian Veterinary Institute & University of Oslo
Senior Researcher Solveig Jore, Norwegian Institute of Public Health