Brianna Stenger

I am interested in host-parasite interactions and co-evolution between Cryptosporidium parasites and wildlife species.  Empirical evidence supports host adaptation and a limited host range for most Cryptosporidium species and genotypes. This knowledge has been used to track sources of water contamination and characterize human health risk; however, the factors affecting host range remain unclear. I am using small mammals (mainly rodent species) as a model to study the effect of factors such as host population density, diversity and behavior on the host range of Cryptosporidium genotypes.