Research Projects

The bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus, Strep A) causes a range of mild to severe infections, ranging from sore throat to streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Importantly, Streptococcus pyogenes infections can lead to serious sequelae such as rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. Streptococcus 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 expression of bacterial virulence genes. There is recent clinical epidemiologic evidence that viruses are also important in Streptococcus pyogenes pathogenesis, but little is known about this process. In this project, the student will use a murine model of Streptococcus pyogenes colonisation to examine the effect of viruses on Streptococcus pyogenes colonisation, transmission (spread to co-housed littermates) and disease, and the mechanisms involved. To achieve these aims, a range of methods will be employed including animal and tissue handling, immunological assays, traditional microbiology and molecular approaches such as qPCR, and gene expression analyses. This project will provide important novel data on key components of Streptococcus pyogenes pathogenesis, and inform a pathway towards improving strategies for preventing Streptococcus pyogenes infections.

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