Microbiome and pathogens

Emerging infectious diseases in wild animals is a growing concern due to the threats they pose to biodiversity and  the ability of ecosystems to provide services to humans. The problem will likely escalate because of increased translocation of pathogens due to growing trade and transportation, and the increasing proximity between domestic plants and animals – which tend to be kept in conditions that favor epizootic outbreaks – and wildlife.  We are currently conducting studies on viral, bacterial and eukaryotic pathogens/parasites of different species of pollinators in Virginia. We are interested in the spatiotemporal dynamics of these pathogens and how well they transmit between different host species.

Additionally, we are increasingly aware of the roles resident bacterial microbiome plays in terms of promoting well-being of their hosts. These bacteria can help their hosts fight against pathogenic bacteria, digest recalcitrant food materials and break down phytotoxins. I am interested in microbiome of birds and insects in general.

Drovetski, S. V., M. O’Mahoney, E. J. Ransome, K. O. Matterson, H. C. Lim, R. T. Chesser, and G. R. Graves. 2018. Spatial Organization of the Gastrointestinal Microbiota in Urban Canada Geese. Scientific Reports 8:3713.

Cameron, S. A., H.C. Lim, J. D. Lozier, M.A. Duennes and R.W. Thorp. 2016. A test of the invasive pathogen hypothesis of bumble bee decline in North America.  PNAS 113:4386-91

Lim, H.C., C.-C. Chu, M.J. Seufferheld, S.A. Cameron. 2015. Deep sequencing and ecological characterization of gut microbial communities of diverse bumble bee species. PLoS ONE 10: e0118566.