Research Projects

The bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus, “Strep A”) causes a range of mild to severe infections, from sore throat to toxic shock syndrome.  Importantly, S. pyogenes infections can lead to serious sequelae, such as rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. S. pyogenes can also colonise a variety of human tissues, including the upper respiratory tract and skin in healthy people.

In a related bacterial species, Streptococcus pneumoniae, we 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 animal and tissue handling, cell-culture, molecular approaches (such as qPCR and gene expression analyses), immunological assays and traditional microbiology.

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.

Contact project supervisor for further
information and application enquiries