Norman L Beatty, MD, FACP

Dr. Beatty has a research focus investigating clinical manifestations of Chagas disease. He also studies the “kissing bug” which is the insect vector known to harbor the protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, which is the causative agent of Chagas disease. He is also interested in other Neglected Tropical Diseases, particularly those found in Latin America.

Currently, he is working with a multidisciplinary team at UF, including Dr. John Diaz at CAFÉ Latino to tackle health disparities among Latin American agricultural workers from around the state of Florida. In collaboration with Dr. Samantha Wisely at the UF Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department they are investigating Trypanosoma cruzi infection among wildlife hosts. Dr. Beatty is also studying the kissing bugs native to North America, including those that live naturally in Florida. Working with Dr. Wisely and Dr. Nathan Burkett-Cadena they are collecting and analyzing kissing bugs for T. cruzi and risks for transmission of Chagas disease in Florida.

Dr. Beatty works closely with other non-profits and global health partners tackling Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) worldwide, including the Chagas Coalition, DNDi, and Mundo Sano. He is an active member of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene and the American Committee on Clinical Tropical Medicine and Travelers’ Health.