David S. Peterson

David S. Peterson is an Assistant Department Head and Professor in the Department of Infectious Diseases at the College of Veterinary Medicine. His research focuses on Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of malaria, particularly studying the mechanisms of immune evasion via antigenic variation and host-parasite interactions. Current projects investigate the role of var2csa gene copies and host immune selection pressures on polymorphic variants.

Dr. Peterson has contributed extensively to understanding drug resistance in malaria, including studies on pyrimethamine resistance and genetic mutations in dihydrofolate reductase. His work spans parasitology, immunology, and molecular biology, with a focus on Plasmodium species and their interactions with host cells.

Key research highlights include:

• Characterization of VAR2CSA antigen interactions in placental malaria
• Development of diagnostic tools for malaria (e.g., PCR assays)
• Investigation of cytoadherence mechanisms in P. falciparum infections
• Studies on Cytauxzoon felis genetics and pathogenicity in domestic cats

His work integrates molecular, genetic, and immunological approaches to address critical questions in parasitic disease biology and drug resistance mechanisms.