Kate Mounsey

Biography

I am internationally recognised for my research on the parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei, associated with sarcoptic mange in wildlife and scabies in humans. I have twenty years of research experience in scabies 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. My overarching aim has been to advance our understanding and improve treatment for the highly debilitating clinical manifestation known as crusted scabies in humans and hyperkeratotic/severe mange in animals. I pioneered studies on molecular mechanisms of ivermectin resistance in crusted scabies, characterising several candidate resistance genes. I developed new in vitro methodologies for measuring drug responses in scabies mites and was a lead contributor to the development of a tractable porcine model for human scabies. My research has led to contributions to high impact reviews, commentaries and clinical textbooks on macrocyclic lactone pharmacokinetics. I have maintained a strong commitment to stakeholder engagement, research dissemination and translation, and have been actively involved in community-based research to improve skin health in vulnerable populations. In recent years I have been applying my expertise to sarcoptic mange in wombats. I am a co-investigator on an ARC Linkage project developing of Bravecto as a sarcoptic mange treatment, and collaborate with community-based mange treatment organisations. In collaboration with Professor Robert Harvey at UniSC, I also investigate scabies mite and other arthropod neurotransmitter receptors, with the aim to developing novel, targeted and ecologically friendly control methods.

Teaching areas

• Immunology
• Pathophysiology
• Physiology

Expert media commentary

Kate's area of expertise includes Immunology, Pathophysiology, Molecular medical and veterinary parasitology, Diagnosis, control and drug resistance in arthropods.