Coevolutionary mechanisms within vector/pathogen complexes

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In Canada, significant northward range expansions of several wildlife diseases increasingly threaten the health of humans, domestic animals, and native species. The monetary costs of managing an increasing array of wildlife disease is untenable for many natural resource agencies; as such, there is a significant need to understand the mechanisms of disease maintenance and spread to maximize available resources. Specifically, I will investigate coevolutionary mechanisms within vector/pathogen complexes using the raccoon rabies virus, and its primary vector, raccoons, as a model system. Conventional belief suggests that rabies is a lethal disease with no potential for evolution within its hosts. Disease challenge and vaccination experiments, however, indicate that variability exists in the immune response of raccoons to this virus. I will explore the ability of raccoons and raccoon populations to adapt to raccoon rabies by profiling major histocompatiblity complex (Mhc) genes that are intimately associated with the initiation of an immune response. My research will contribute to our understanding of the spatial organization of disease resistance and susceptibility, enhance our knowledge of coevolutionary mechanisms associated with disease spread and maintenance, and help refine current disease control strategies.