David T. Cozart studies methods to prevent diseases primarily affecting certain communities, such as diabetes and river blindness. His recent research has highlighted the challenges and strategies for running diabetes prevention programs in Black churches, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, he investigates the spread of river blindness caused by black flies and has developed and evaluated effective traps to reduce fly bites, which can help lower the risk of this serious disease. By understanding how to appeal to disease-carrying insects and improve community outreach, he aims to enhance public health efforts significantly.
Key findings
In a diabetes prevention program run during the COVID-19 pandemic, Cozart's team faced challenges but leveraged flexible training and extended timelines for better community engagement.
Between 2012 and 2021, there were 251 reported cases of soft tick relapsing fever in the U.S., with 55% of infected individuals requiring hospitalization.
The Esperanza Window Trap reduced black fly bites by up to 90% in schools and about 50% in agricultural fields, demonstrating its effectiveness in controlling river blindness spread.
An analysis of human sweat found 12 compounds that attract black flies more effectively than traditional bait methods, suggesting improvements in trapping strategies for river blindness control.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Cozart study diabetes?
Yes, Dr. Cozart studies diabetes prevention, particularly in Black communities, focusing on effective program strategies.
What is Dr. Cozart's work related to river blindness?
Dr. Cozart's research includes developing and testing traps that significantly reduce the biting rates of black flies that spread river blindness.
Is Dr. Cozart's research relevant to public health?
Absolutely; his work aims to improve health outcomes in communities at risk for diseases like diabetes and river blindness, directly impacting public health efforts.
Publications in plain English
Challenges and Lessons Learned While Conducting a Diabetes Prevention Program Among Black Churches During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
2025
Health promotion practice
Karle E, Cozart D, Abu Farsakh B, Afolayan V, Ebikwo T +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how to run a diabetes prevention program in Black churches while dealing with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers faced difficulties in adapting their plans, recruiting participants, and delivering the program, but they found solutions such as extending timelines and being flexible with training. These insights are essential for improving future health programs in church settings, making it easier to reach and support communities effectively.
Who this helps: This helps patients and health organizations aiming to prevent diabetes in Black communities.
Soft Tick Relapsing Fever - United States, 2012-2021.
2023
MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report
Beeson AM, Kjemtrup A, Oltean H, Schnitzler H, Venkat H +15 more
Plain English The study looked at soft tick relapsing fever (STRF), a rare infection spread by certain ticks in the U.S. from 2012 to 2021. There were 251 reported cases during this time, with an average of 24 cases each year, and most of those infected (55%) needed to be hospitalized, though no deaths occurred. Understanding the patterns and risks associated with STRF is important for preventing it and helping people get treated quickly.
Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by raising awareness and promoting faster treatment for STRF.
Identification of Human-Derived Attractants toSensu Stricto in the Madi-Mid North Onchocerciasis Focus of Uganda.
2020
The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene
Cozart D, Lakwo T, Liu C, Loum D, Jacob B +2 more
Plain English This study examined a new way to attract black flies that spread river blindness, focusing on finding better bait for traps. Researchers tested the sweat of people who attract these flies more and found 12 specific compounds that make them more appealing, including naphthalene and tert-hexadecyl mercaptan. Traps using these compounds collected more flies than the traditional method of using worn socks, which could lead to better control of these disease-carrying insects.
Who this helps: This benefits public health efforts aimed at reducing river blindness in affected communities.
Optimization and evaluation of the Esperanza Window Trap to reduce biting rates of Simulium damnosum sensu lato in Northern Uganda.
2019
PLoS neglected tropical diseases
Loum D, Cozart D, Lakwo T, Habomugisha P, Jacob B +2 more
Plain English This study looked at a new trap, called the Esperanza Window Trap, which is designed to catch black flies that spread river blindness, a serious disease in parts of Africa and the Americas. The researchers found that when they used this trap in schools, it reduced black fly bites by 90%, and in some agricultural fields, it cut biting by about 50%. These findings are important because they show that using this trap could help control the spread of river blindness, especially in areas where current treatments aren’t enough.
Who this helps: This helps patients at risk of river blindness and the communities they live in.
1H NMR of glycosaminoglycans and hyaluronic acid oligosaccharides in aqueous solution: the amide proton environment.
1984
Archives of biochemistry and biophysics
Cowman MK, Cozart D, Nakanishi K, Balazs EA
Plain English This study looked at the behavior of certain molecules called hyaluronic acid oligosaccharides in water, specifically focusing on their amide protons. The researchers found that larger oligosaccharides show one distinct signal while smaller ones can show multiple signals based on how their sugar components are connected. Their findings, which include specific chemical shifts and how these relate to the structure of the molecules, are important because they help scientists understand how these compounds interact and behave, which could impact their use in medical applications.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and medical professionals working with hyaluronic acid in treatments or therapies.