Microbes utilize their hosts as food sources during infections. Parasites have evolved to establish chronic infections within their hosts to prolong their ability to scavage necessary metabolic resources. The study of biological small molecules (metabolomics) allows for the ability to identify unique host-pathogen interactions, which can be used to identify novel biomarkers for diagnostics and mechanisms of parasite persistence within their host.

In the context of Chagas disease, we are interested unique metaboloic interactions of T. cruzi infection of the cardiac myocyte, the predominant tissue niche of this parasite. In doing so, we hope to identify biomarkers of Chagas cardiomyopathy that can differentiate this infection from other forms of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy.