microbiology, molecular biology, bacteriology, biochemistry, cellular biology
WHAT WE DO
Key Points:
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Study how the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes chronic infections
Detailed Description:
The FIRE Bacterial Pathogenesis stream is interested in understanding how the bacterial opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes a specific type of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) called catheter-associated urinary tract infections or CAUTI in humans
WHY IT MATTERS
Key Points:
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P. aeruginosa is a common cause of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).
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HAIs can complicate healthcare, is linked with high morbidity and mortality and increases financial burden on the US healthcare system.
Detailed Description:
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) in the US. HAIs are infections people get while they are receiving healthcare for another condition. HAIs can happen in any health care facility including hospitals, surgical centers, and long-term care facilities. HAIs are an immense burden on the US healthcare system. In 2009, there were an estimated 1.7 million reported HAIs with estimated direct medical costs of 28 to 45 billion dollars annually.
WHAT YOU LEARN
Key Points:
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Utilize the scientific method to read and understand scholarly literature
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General microbiological techniques commonly used in wet labs
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Molecular cloning tools such as PCR
Detailed Description:
Our lab is interested in identifying genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa that are important for the bacteria to cause CAUTI. You will learn 1. how to use the scientific method to ask questions and solve problems. 2. general microbiology aseptic techniques: streaking bacterial cultures for isolation, starting bacterial cultures, micro pipetting, and 3. commonly used molecular cloning tools polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and CRISPR-based gene silencing.
