Simply Speaking
My research studies the different factors that are expressed on the surface of bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella. The aim is to work out how these factors are co-ordinated during infection of an individual so that they do not interfere with each other. The action of these factors also contributes to the bacterial mechanisms for avoiding activation of the individual's immune system. If we can find out more about these bacterial surface factors, then we will be able to develop vaccines that will recognise them and prevent infection.
In response to the news of a recent outbreak of severe life-threatening infections associated with an unusual strain of E. coli in Germany I provided a viewpoint that can be viewed by clicking here.