Norman Beatty
M.D./Assistant Professor | University of Florida
Gainesville, FL, UNITED STATES
Dr. Norman Beatty studies neglected tropical diseases, such as Chagas disease, Leishmaniasis, cysticercosis and snake envenomation.
Biography
Dr. Norman Beatty is an assistant professor in the Department of Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine and member of the Emerging Pathogens Institute. He focuses on neglected tropical diseases, such as Chagas disease, Leishmaniasis, Cysticercosis, Snake Envenomation, Hansen’s disease (Leprosy), and Vibriosis. His research is centered on Latin American health equity and Chagas disease in the United States and Florida where Dr. Beatty's team is researching the prevalence of Chagas disease among at-risk populations, including those who may be exposed to the kissing bug vector here in the United States. He also studies wildlife and companion animal Trypanosoma cruzi infection in Florida and vector-borne diseases such as tick-borne and mosquito-borne infections, including Ehrlichiosis, Rickettsiosis and Borreliosis.
Areas of Expertise (12)
Borreliosis
Ehrlichiosis
Tick-borne Diseases
Snake Envenomation
Leishmaniasis
Tropical Diseases
Neglected Tropical Diseases
Chagas Disease
Cysticercosis
Kissing Bug
Mosquito-borne Infections
Rickettsiosis
Media Appearances (6)
A medical mystery: Why does Central Florida see so many leprosy cases?
Tampa Bay Times online
2024-06-05
In an open-air barn at the edge of the University of Florida, veterinarian Juan Campos Krauer examines a dead armadillo’s footpads and ears for signs of infection. Its claws are curled tight and covered in blood. Campos Krauer thinks it was struck in the head while crossing a nearby road.
Leprosy is here
Explore online
2024-03-27
He’d been to four dermatologists before traveling to the University of Florida, where he described patches of skin feeling “loose” — almost dead. The rash that covered his torso and limbs in reddish-purple spots hadn’t responded to the steroids and antibiotics the previous doctors prescribed. Worse, his legs felt hot and swollen, tingling with what felt like electrical shocks, and the loss of feeling in his feet was spreading to his arms.
Researchers found "alarming" amount of flesh-eating bacteria after Ian
Fox 4 News tv
2023-10-31
A new study from researchers at the University of Florida has revealed an alarming amount of flesh-eating bacteria found in parts of the Gulf after Hurricane Ian. The curiosity started from existing research in Virginia, which tested for Vibrio, the bacteria. "Let’s just see what waters in an extreme event does to the water systems in Florida," said Antar Jutla, an associate professor of environmental engineering at UF.
New study points to concerns of dangerous Vibrio bacteria in Florida’s coastal waters following Hurricane Ian
UF News online
2023-10-18
When Hurricane Ian struck Southwest Florida in September 2022, it unleashed a variety of Vibrio bacteria that can cause illness and death in humans, according to a new study published in the journal mBio. The study, conducted in October 2022 by researchers at the University of Florida and the University of Maryland, was based on genome sequencing as well as satellite and environmental data collected off the coast of Lee County, where Hurricane Ian hit directly.
Flesh-eating bacteria may be in Hurricane Idalia flood waters
Fox 13 News tv
2023-09-06
One week after Hurricane Idalia made landfall, medical experts are watching for potential cases of Vibrio vulnificus, bacteria found in brackish waters. "We are keeping our eyes and ears open to these patients coming to our hospital. And if it's anything like Hurricane Ian, we're likely to see cases popping up here in North Florida coming from these coastal regions," Dr. Norman Beatty, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Florida said.
Hurricanes appear to be flooding Southwest Florida beaches with 'flesh-eating bacteria'
WGCU online
2024-10-21
A day at the beach is all about sunshine and rainbows, but for some beachgoers the effects of climate change turned what was to be a fine day into one of the last of their lives. Several of the people who died during the weeks after Hurricane Ian made landfall in Lee County on September 28, 2022, began showing signs of illness a week or two into October.
Articles (4)
Snake envenomation in Florida: a 20-year analysis of epidemiology and clinical outcomes at a tertiary medical centre
Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and HygieneRiver C. Grace, et. al
2025-01-03
Venomous snakes are among the most lethal animals worldwide and envenomation survivors face lifelong morbidities. Envenomation is colloquially considered highly prevalent in the US state of Florida, yet envenomation trends here are currently unassessed.
Climate change and Trypanosoma cruzi transmission in North and central America
The Lancet MicrobeColin Forsyth, et. al
2024-10-01
Trypanosoma cruzi is a protozoan parasite that causes Chagas disease in humans. Transmission of T cruzi by triatomine vectors is dependent on diverse environmental and socioeconomic factors. Climate change, which is disrupting patterns of human habitation and land use, can affect the epidemiology of Chagas disease by influencing the distribution of vector and host species.
Erythema nodosum leprosum as the initial presentation of lepromatous leprosy
JAAD Case ReportsGrace Hingtgen, et. al
2024-10-01
Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL), also known as type 2 immunologic reaction or Lepra reaction, is an immunologic complication of leprosy. ENL presents with painful subcutaneous nodules, vesicles, pustules, or ulcers. ENL is a systemic reaction that includes fever, neuritis, and involvement of other organs.
Oral Chagas Disease in Colombia—Confirmed and Suspected Routes of Transmission
Tropical Medicine and Infectious DiseaseNorman L. Beatty, et. al
2024-01-04
Oral transmission of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi is one mode of acquisition that can occur among those living or traveling to endemic regions. Increasing awareness of oral transmission is occurring, and some regions are now showing increased frequency via the oral route. Concerns for oral transmission of T. cruzi were first mentioned by Carlos Chagas and then experientially confirmed in 1921 with the oral consumption of blood trypomastigotes and then with triatomine feces in 1933.
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