Dr. Mariana Kikuti is an Assistant Professor in the One Health and Ecosystems Division at the University of Minnesota's Department of Veterinary Population Medicine. Her research interests focus on the epidemiology of emerging and infectious diseases. Dr. Kikuti received her DVM from Universidade Federal do Parana, Brazil, followed by an MPH and DPH in epidemiology from Universidade Federal da Bahia, Brazil.
Her extensive background includes work with a range of zoonotic diseases and arboviruses. She has worked with Rabies, Leptospirosis, Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya in Brazil. This foundational experience includes assessing the accuracy of laboratory diagnostic tests under field conditions and assessing social determinants of disease.
At the University of Minnesota, Dr. Kikuti applies her expertise to critical swine health issues, addressing disease risks at the swine and human-swine interface. Her work includes using molecular epidemiology to investigate disease transmission, monitoring Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) variants, and assessing interventions that have successfully reduced the incidence of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED). Through strong collaborations with academic and industry partners, Dr. Kikuti's work aims to improve animal health, support the sustainability of the swine industry, and safeguard global food security.
