A Genomics Approach to Staphylococcus Aureus-Host Interaction
Thursday 16 April 2009
Project
S. aureus causes a whole spectrum of different diseases, varying from relatively mild superficial infections to life threatening invasive infections. Historically, several typical S. aureus diseases have been associated with the presence of single virulence factors, such as the association of toxic shock syndrome (tampon disease) with the presence of the superantigen TSST-1. However, the pathogenesis of most S. aureus diseases involves a complex interplay between multiple virulence factors. In addition, the epidemiology of S. aureus is changing. Nowadays, S. aureus is emerging as a community-acquired pathogen, and is able to cause life-threatening infections (e.g. necrotising pneumonia) in otherwise healthy individuals. Drug-resistant variants of S. aureus (MRSA) were until recently mainly found in the hospital environment. However, MRSA is found more and more in the community, even in countries with low antibiotic use like the Netherlands. In addition, MRSA is widespread among pigs, pig farmers and their family members. These worrisome trends warrant a more thorough understanding on how S. aureus infects and spreads among different hosts.
The group focuses on pathogenesis of infectious disease with a special interest in the host-pathogen interaction. It studies the presence of bacterial virulence genes and their expression in relation to disease, colonization, and spread on a whole-genome level. Techniques used in this group, either in-house or in cooperation with others, are amongst others: whole genome sequencing, comparative genomics using DNA microarray technology, transcriptomics using real-time PCR and microarray, and construction of knock-outs and reconstitution strains.
Techniques
Molecular and epidemiological techniques
Duration
6 or 9 months
Contact
Dr. A.C. Fluit, tel. 088 75 576 30, A.C.Fluit@umcutrecht.nl
More info
Website UMC Utrecht - Medical Microbiology
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