Kate Mounsey

I am internationally recognised for my research on the parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei, associated with sarcoptic mange in wildlife and scabies in humans. During my career I have made significant contributions to our understanding of mite molecular biology, acaricide treatments, drug resistance and immunopathology. My research profile is multidisciplinary and I have worked on this disease in humans, pigs and wombats. I pioneered studies on molecular mechanisms of ivermectin resistance in crusted scabies, characterising several candidate resistance genes - including the first molecular and functional characterisation of a ligand-gated chloride channel in scabies mites. I also developed new in vitro methodologies for measuring acaricide resistance phenotypes. This work has led to contributions to high impact reviews, commentaries and clinical textbooks on macrocyclic lactone pharmacokinetics. I have applied my expertise to the study of sarcoptic mange in wombats, a species under significant threat from this disease. I have worked with community-based wildlife organisations to optimise new treatments, and to better understand the threat of drug resistance to new and existing treatments. I also utilised my knowledge of ligand-gated ion channels to explore the development of novel treatment approaches in other arthropod pests, including Varroa destructor (honeybee mite) and Solenopsis invicta (red imported fire ant). Both species are of recent significance, representing an important biosecurity and economic threat to Australia.