Sydney Burge

In this study, we investigated how each type of IFNλ (IFNλ1, IFNλ2, and IFNλ3) contributes to antiviral readiness in human intestinal epithelial cells. By selectively removing each IFNλ, we discovered that IFNλ2 and IFNλ3, but not IFNλ1, are essential for maintaining this built-in antiviral state. Cells lacking IFNλ2/3 became highly vulnerable to a wide range of viruses and lost the ability to activate key antiviral genes. Our findings reveal a previously unrecognized hierarchy among IFNλs and highlight IFNλ2/3 as critical guardians of gut antiviral defense, even before infection occurs.

Human norovirus (HuNoV) is the leading cause of foodborne illnesses in the United States, recognized for its environmental persistence and sanitizer resistance. However, limited data exist on its persistence in agricultural water. This study assessed the survival of HuNoV GII, its cultivable surrogate Tulane virus, and Escherichia coli TVS 353 in preharvest agricultural water collected from a Florida farm (treatment) compared with phosphate-buffered dilution water (BPDW, control). These findings demonstrate the long-term persistence of enteric pathogens in preharvest agricultural water and underscore the critical need for risk-based water safety strategies.

Whooping cough affects the upper respiratory tract. A bacterial infection by Bordetella pertussis damages the airways, leading to severe and uncontrollable coughing fits. It's most dangerous to children, especially infants under 12 months of age.

A widespread and underreported zoonosis, anthrax is a severe infectious disease of significant public health concern for humans, livestock, and wildlife. In this study, we used historical data from 1991 to 2020 from northern Vietnam and a simulation model to investigate the effects of different vaccination strategies on livestock outbreaks. Results showed that vaccination leads to a significant reduction in buffalo mortality, with reactive and increasing vaccination campaigns having the largest impact in reducing outbreak size. Our findings underscore the value of mathematical and simulation approaches to overcome data challenges and underreporting in global disease management for anthrax and other neglected diseases.

The introduction of the wMel strain of Wolbachia into Aedes aegypti mosquitoes significantly reduces dengue virus transmission. We evaluated the impact of large-scale releases of Wolbachia-infected Ae. aegypti on dengue incidence in Campo Grande, a large urban city in the Central-West region of Brazil, in the first deployment of Wolbachia as an official dengue-control strategy by the Brazilian federal government.

'Tis the season for joy, travel and ... germs. Don’t let sickness steal your holiday cheer. In no particular order, here are ten tips to protect yourself and your loved ones — pets and plants included — from the season’s biggest health hazards.

Influenza affects the nose, throat and lungs, and spreads through coughs and sneezes. While most recover, some cases become serious. Flu shots, handwashing, masks and clean air help prevent infection and protect vulnerable groups from severe infection.

Citrus greening, a destructive plant disease that affects the health of citrus trees, is devastating the Floridian citrus industry. Researchers and growers race to fine a cure to this vector-spread bacterial infection.

Burkholderia bacteria cause serious diseases like melioidosis. UF researcher Dr. Apichai Tuanyok shares how they infect, evade and persist, and what can be done to stop them. 

Most pathogens are harmless or even beneficial, but a few are truly terrifying. Here are some of the most frightening pathogens known to science, listed in no specific order.