Her research addresses the immune and molecular biology of the pathogenic Leishmania species protozoa. Her studies approach the disease through both laboratory and field-based studies in endemic countries. Goals are to determine the host and parasite factors leading to chronic symptomatic infection in humans and in animal models. Dr. Wilson's research studies address the molecular, cellular and immunobiology of infection with the Leishmania species protozoa. Human infection with these parasites leads to a wide spectrum of clinical syndromes. Both human immunogenetic and parasite-encoded virulence factors lead to divergent disease manifestations. Dr. Wilson’s studies focus on the contributions of both host and parasite molecular characteristics that determine the outcome of leishmaniasis.