Research A world-class research institute to facilitate interdisciplinary studies
New and re-emerging diseases pose a significant threat to Florida’s tourism, health and economy, amplified by the state’s climate and diverse agriculture. Florida’s unique geography and climate demand tailored disease prevention strategies grounded in the notion that pathogens transcend borders. With ongoing research in over 51 countries across six continents, the Emerging Pathogens Institute believes in expanding its focus from beyond Florida to improving the quality and health of the world.
Research purpose
Why Infectious Diseases?
Infectious disease study is a broad discipline with unique responsibilities. The study of infectious diseases can cure and prevent illnesses, identify specific disease causes and curb the effects of massive outbreaks. Pathogens are all around us, which makes infectious disease practitioners powerful in their ability to deal with the consequences of antibiotic resistance, international travel, variable climates and other new-age phenomena that help pathogens thrive. By taking a One Health approach, the EPI aims to tackle pathogenic research head-on to make a difference in how we battle infectious diseases.
Educational pages
H5N1 bird flu, or avian influenza, in Florida…
Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a disease that primarily affects birds. It is caused by a virus related to those that cause seasonal flu…
Chagas disease in Florida: What to know
Chagas disease is a poorly understood illness that can lead to heart failure and other fatal complications if left untreated. Symptoms may take…
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, in Florida…
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common, highly contagious virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages. In healthy adults and older…
Research News
How to avoid winter viruses: UF EPI expert talks…
With winter comes a trio of respiratory illnesses, sometimes referred to as a “triple-demic”: influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial…
Why Listeria, a less-common foodborne pathogen…
Listeria infections are rare, but serious. It is the third leading cause of death from a foodborne illness in the United States. Frederick Southwick…
New UF EPI study shows how bile acids in breast…
UF EPI researcher has published the first study on the role of breastmilk bile acids, showing how they affect newborn gut health and the severity of…
Expert Q&A’s
What is Oropouche virus? UF EPI expert explains…
Oropouche virus, a pathogen endemic to the Amazon region, has recently shown unusual activity with spread to new areas. UF EPI expert Dr. Maureen…
H5N1 strain of bird flu could be dangerous. UF…
Recent outbreaks of H5N1 in U.S. dairy cattle have led to close monitoring of the virus. UF EPI expert Benjamin Anderson, Ph.D., explains the basics…
UF EPI expert on hepatitis: a surprisingly…
Millions of Americans have chronical viral hepatitis and do not even realize it, according to the CDC. Dr. Robert Cook explains how people can have…
Research Features
It takes a village: Celebrating community in…
At EPI Research Day 2025, Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi underscores the need for collaboration in infectious disease research.
Artificial intelligence transforms how UF EPI…
The University of Florida’s AI initiative has transformed faculty research. Here’s how Jason Blackburn and Marco Salemi, members of the Emerging…
Diagnosing houseplants 101: Is your plant…
When your houseplant starts drooping, it can be hard to figure out what’s wrong. Here’s a diagnostic guide to help you determine whether your plant…
research briefs
UF experts join with partners at UNC and Johns…
Two UF EPI infectious disease experts are part of a new CDC-funded outbreak analytics and disease modeling network
Immune-boosting therapy helps honey bees resist…
Scientists have successfully tested a novel way of boosting honey bees’ immune systems to help them fend off deadly viruses, which have contributed…
Study: Where bison roam could spread microbes
A new study from University of Florida and Kansas State University researchers found that bison carry plant-associated fungi in their saliva, with…
Photo Essays
UF EPI researcher tracks bacterial genetic…
UF EPI member studies how the genetic makeup of a tuberculosis bacterial population changes during transmission.
Helping in Haiti
Haiti’s most recent earthquake caused damage to a building used by the University of Florida for past studies and projects. A retired UF staff member…
Science scenes: Central and Eastern Africa
Ever wonder what scientists are up to behind the scenes, when they are not consumed with crunching data, or endlessly editing papers for publication…
Science scenes: El Oro, Ecuador
Ever wonder what scientists are up to behind the scenes, when they are not consumed with crunching data, or endlessly editing papers for publication…
Research Archive
Gut bacteria blocks and enhances virus
A new study published in Nature Microbiology reveals that bacteria present in different regions of the gastrointestinal tract either enhance or block…
Taking Ebola’s measure
New research by EPI’s Burton Singer quantifies how civil disruption and violence has unraveled Ebola control measures in the Democratic Republic of…
Eggplant’s newest pathogenic fungus
A known pathogenic fungus, so far only reported to cause disease in two crops, has ensnared a third victim: eggplants. UF plant pathologists…
