Barbaro, Katia

Dr Katia Barbaro is an immunologist and spider venom researcher at the Institut Butantan, Sao Pauo, Brazil - a world renowned centre for venom research. Dr Barbaro has a longstanding interest, and an impressive publication record, in venomous spider bites, particularly those by spiders of the Loxosceles genus. These spiders are responsible for significant morbidity in South America, causing both skin necrosis or ulceration and systemic illness, especially in children.

Dr Barbaro spent several months at the Australian Venom Research Unit during 2001 examining North and South American Loxosceles spider venoms and antibodies, with Dr Chris Hogan, from the United States. She is now an Honorary Fellow of the AVRU.