Isabel G. Fernández de Mera

Líneas de investigación

Vector-borne pathogens and intracellular bacteria

 Rickettsial agents (Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Neorickettsia, Wolbachia, Orientia) cause a diverse spectrum of vector-transmitted diseases of humans and animals. Common vectors like ticks, mosquitoes, fleas, or lice among others, and non-haematophagous arthropods, can serve as vectors and reservoirs for these bacteria. Our work focuses on the potential reservoirs, hosts and vectors of these pathogens, as well as to identify genes that are differentially expressed during host interactions.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex

The M. tuberculosis complex is comprised of a group of important pathogens for both human and animals. Our current research interests are aimed at the investigation of differences in pathogenicity and transmissibility as well as cell tropism between different strains of this bacterial group.

Main model hosts and pathogens

• Hosts: Red deer, wild boar, ticks.

• Pathogens: Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and vector-borne pathogens.