Dennis A. Bente

Dennis A. Bente, DVM, PhD is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). He maintains his laboratory within the Galveston National Laboratory (GNL), a BSL-4 facility, reflecting his specialized work with high-containment pathogens. His academic affiliations include the Institute for Human Infections & Immunity, the Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infections, the Center for Tropical Diseases, and the Sealy Center for Vaccine Development.

Dr. Bente's research program focuses on the pathogenesis and transmission of tick-borne hemorrhagic fever viruses, representing a unique intersection between arbovirology and hemorrhagic fever research. His laboratory pioneered the first tick-host transmission model in a BSL-4 setting, requiring sophisticated integration of virology, immunology, and tick physiology expertise. His work spans multiple dangerous pathogens including Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), Kyasanur forest disease virus, Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus, and West-Nile virus.

His publication portfolio demonstrates consistent expertise in hemorrhagic fever viruses and vector biology. Recent work shows expanding research scope into related areas such as SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors and environmental pathogen monitoring, while maintaining his core focus on tick-borne hemorrhagic fevers. His fingerprint analysis confirms strong specialization in CCHFV (100%) and related hemorrhagic fever research topics.

Dr. Bente serves as Principal Investigator on multiple significant research projects:

• Evaluating the Virucidal Efficiency of Xpert® Hemorrhagic Fever Test Sample Reagent (2025-2026)
• Transmission Dynamics of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus with NBAF (2022-2026)
• Quantitative Analysis of Fomite Transport Risk Reduction (2021-2025)
• Development of Novel Small Molecule Antivirals (2023-2025)
• Analysis of a novel CCHFV vaccine (2022-2025)

His laboratory maintains specialized capabilities for working with BSL-4 pathogens and tick vectors, representing a critical resource for high-containment research on dangerous emerging infectious diseases. The Bente Lab's work has significant implications for global health security and development of countermeasures against pathogens with high mortality rates and limited treatment options.