The yeast Candidozyma auris, previously known as Candida auris, is emerging as a serious threat in hospitals around the globe for its multidrug resistance. UF Emerging Pathogens Institute researchers are trying to trace its origins in Florida.
Ann Solomn, a Floridian afflicted by locally acquired Hansen's disease, is building a support group to raise awareness for others like her — a mission that dovetails with a unique symposium hosted by researchers from the UF Emerging Pathogens Institute and UF Health, who are gathering to discuss the current landscape of locally acquired leprosy in Florida.
In mid-April, the University of Florida Emerging Pathogens Institute hosted its annual Research Day, featuring a special guest this year, Pepper the cat-chat bot, inspired by a real housecat.
Four experts from the University of Florida Emerging Pathogens Institute gathered to address the 2026 Ebola outbreak, drawing on lessons from previous outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and examining it at a more microscopic level to understand how it operates.
UF Emerging Pathogens Institute assistant scientist Luke Trimmer-Smith, Ph.D., won first place in the early-stage investigator poster competition at EPI Research Day 2026.
UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center postdoctoral associate Pamela S. Salvador Dutra, Ph.D., won first place in the postdoctoral poster competition at EPI Research Day 2026.
UF College of Veterinary Medicine Ph.D. candidate Nimra Khalid, D.M.V., won first place in the pre-doctoral poster competition at EPI Research Day 2026.
University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions student Sarah Acra won first place in the undergraduate research poster competition at EPI Research Day 2026.
While rare, hantavirus outbreaks are deadly. This genus of viruses is primarily transmitted from rodents to humans. Only one strain, known as Andes virus, has been documented to potentially spread from person to person, although such transmission is rare and typically requires close contact.
Out of the hundreds of fungal disease-causing pathogens in humans, only four are considered "critical risks" to human health. The deadliest, Cryptococcus neoformans, colonizes the brain, but can be found all around us. University of Florida Emerging Pathogens Institute member breaks down key questions surrounding this intriguing yet sinister fungus.
