Understanding how different factors affect the spread of snake fungal disease.
Official title: Sit-and-wait pathogens: Consequences of heterogeneity in pathogen exposure dynamics for environmentally persistent pathogens
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-10912819 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how snake fungal disease spreads between different types of snakes and what factors, like how often they come into contact with the fungus, affect their risk of getting sick, helping us understand more about this disease in snakes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $588,814 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM152978-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912819 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are wildlife biologists, ecologists, and conservationists working with snake populations or those interested in infectious disease dynamics in wildlife.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in wildlife research or do not work with snake populations may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the dynamics of how snake fungal disease spreads among various snake species. It focuses on understanding the different factors that influence infection risk, such as how often snakes come into contact with the pathogen, the duration of these contacts, and the amount of pathogen they are exposed to. By studying these transmission determinants, the research aims to provide insights into the ecology and evolution of infectious diseases, particularly in snakes affected by this persistent fungal pathogen.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for managing and preventing snake fungal disease, ultimately benefiting wildlife health and biodiversity.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding infectious disease dynamics through similar ecological and evolutionary approaches, indicating that this methodology is promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hoyt, Joseph Ryan — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Hoyt, Joseph Ryan
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.