Roman Reddy Ganta

Molecular biology of vector borne pathogens: Evaluation of surface antigen genes of Ehrlichia chaffeensis for their role in immune evasion.

Assistant Professor of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology;

B.Sc. 1978, M.Sc. 1980, Andhra University, Waltair, India;

Ph.D. 1987, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.


My laboratory is focused on studies involving molecular biology of vector borne pathogens. In particular, we are interested in understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of immune evasion used by the ehrlichial pathogen, Ehrlichia chaffeensis. E.chaffeensis is the recently identified, tick transmitted, intracellular bacterium responsible for an emerging disease in humans, human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME). Despite the hosts active immune response, several ehrlichial pathogens, including the HME agent, cause infections in their vertebrate hosts that can persist for long periods of time (many years). Persistently infected hosts serve as stable reservoirs of infection, thereby, increasing the chance of transmission by ticks. Currently, we are investigating the role of surface antigen genes in maintaining persistent infections. The long term goal of this research is to identify biochemical pathway or pathways involved in establishing persistent infections and target them to design effective control strategies. Our laboratory is also working to develop novel, molecular tests for diagnosing several vector borne disease agents.


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