Spotlight Project

My report explores the multifaceted ways pathogens can affect our brain. I delved into how diverse infectious agents—viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and prions—overcome protective barriers like the blood-brain barrier to infiltrate and damage the brain. This report illuminates the routes these pathogens take, from bloodstream dissemination to neural pathways, and the resulting neurological conditions. To craft this report, I posed a guiding question about the different infectious threats to the brain and their unique invasion strategies. I analyzed mechanisms used by viruses like West Nile and rabies, bacteria causing meningitis, and fungi like Cryptococcus neoformans. My analysis also examined protozoan parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii and the mechanisms of emerging fungal pathogens affected by climate change. At the end of the report, I explored how pathogens like the rabies virus inspire novel therapeutic strategies, such as using glycoproteins for targeted drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier. My mentor guided me through this process of research and drafting a report, this is a new experiences for me and definitely not an easy one, but the result is more than rewarding.

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