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Scientists in the Laboratory of Zoonotic Pathogens (LZP) study diseases that are communicable from animals to humans. They conduct research to delineate the molecular basis of interaction between pathogens and their arthropod vectors, primarily ticks and fleas; define and identify pathogen and vector molecules that contribute to successful completion of pathogen transmission; and conduct research to examine differential gene regulation of pathogens during their transmission cycle in vertebrate hosts. LZP goals include the search for antigens to improve serological tests for the laboratory confirmation of zoonotic pathogens and to maintain research expertise in the biology of ticks and fleas for their involvement in pathogen maintenance and transmission.