Tapoka T. Mkandawire

The paper uses a CRISPR-Cas9 screen to identify host genes critical for Cryptosporidium survival, revealing a metabolic dependency on host cholesterol biosynthesis that can be targeted for treatment.

This study shows that the human whipworm's host specificity is driven by the host microbiome, using a humanized-microbiota mouse model and metagenomic analysis.

This study identifies a Cryptosporidium virulence factor that modifies host intestinal microvilli by interacting with host proteins, similar to a bacterial virulence factor.

This study identifies serine proteases as key mediators of whipworm egg hatching induced by bacterial contact, revealing bacterial and larval enzyme interactions.

The paper demonstrates broad host range mobile genetic elements transferring antibiotic resistance from human gut commensals to enteropathogens.