Research Projects

Streptococcus pyogenes ('Strep A', group A streptococcus) is an important global pathogen. In a related bacterial species, Streptococcus pneumoniae, we and others have shown that viral co-infection can enhance bacterial virulence, by increasing bacterial density and inflammation in the host, and by driving changes in bacterial virulence gene expression. There is recent clinical epidemiologic evidence that viruses are also important in S. pyogenes pathogenesis, but little is known about this process. In this project, you will use murine and cell-culture models to examine the effect of viruses on S. pyogenes colonisation, transmission (spread to co-housed littermates) and disease, and the mechanisms involved. To achieve these aims, you will employ a range of methods such as bacterial transcriptomics, working with in vitro and/or in vivo models such respiratory cells from patients grown as air-liquid interface, genetic manipulation, as well as microbiological and immunological analysis of local and systemic samples. Your project will provide important novel data on key components of S. pyogenes pathogenesis and inform a pathway towards improving strategies for preventing S. pyogenes infections.

Project Site: Murdoch Children's Research Institute

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