Synopsis of recent research by authors named "Karen Shapiro"
- Karen Shapiro's recent research emphasizes the epidemiology and transmission dynamics of zoonotic protozoan parasites, particularly focusing on Toxoplasma gondii and its effects on both wildlife and human health, as highlighted in several studies conducted in diverse environments from coastal California to Hawaii.
- Shapiro's investigations reveal significant interactions between terrestrial and marine ecosystems, including how land-to-sea transport of pathogens like T. gondii can adversely impact marine mammals such as Hawaiian monk seals, alongside identifying potential sources of exposure for other species through environmental contamination.
- Her studies utilize innovative molecular techniques and models for pathogen detection and risk assessment, addressing critical public health concerns, such as food safety related to shellfish, and the impacts of environmental factors, including human population density and climate variations, on parasite prevalence in both domestic and wild animal populations.
